FOOD ALLERGIES IN CHILDREN AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Abstract

The human body reacts to so many foreign particles known as allergy. Allergies are the body’s 
reaction to normally harmless substances. Allergy symptoms range from mild to life-threatening. 
Allergies are the body’s reaction to a foreign protein; usually, these proteins (allergens) are 
harmless. Food allergy is an immune system reaction that happens soon after eating a certain 
food. Even a tiny amount of the allergy-causing food can trigger symptoms such as digestive 
problems, hives or swollen airways.  An allergic reaction can happen anywhere in the body. This 
includes the skin, eyes, lining of the stomach, nose, sinuses, throat, and lungs. Allergic reactions 
can cause; itchy skin, red watery eyes, dry skin, hives, itchy nose, vomiting, dizziness. Foods 
most commonly connected to food allergies include; fish, shellfish, tree nuts. To prevent food 
allergy in children one must ensure the daily management of food allergies in individual children 
by avoiding food that causes allergy, prepare for food allergy emergencies and provide 
professional development on food allergies for staff members.