Food allergies can be seen starting from infancy, childhood and even in the pregnancy. It is estimated that about 6% of all children are likely to develop a food allergy by age 2. However, babies with a family history of allergies have a 2-4 times greater risk of allergies than normal.

The most common symptoms of food allergies: what are they?

Vomiting

Nausea

Diarrhea

Cramp-like abdominal pain

Urticaria

Atopic dermatitis or Eczema

Asthma

Recurrent middle ear problems, adenoid enlargement

Common cold (nasal itching, sneezing, post-nasal drip)

The most common causes of food allergy in infancy are milk, eggs and soy. Recently, peanut allergy has been increasing as a result of giving peanut products to children at very early ages. Other food allergies can occur as the baby grows and begins to eat solid foods.

What are the foods that often cause allergies in children?

Cow's milk: Allergy to cow's milk is seen in 3% of children. In addition to cow's milk, dairy products (butter, other butter flavored oils, margarine, cheese varieties, yoghurt, cream, pudding and similar foods) should not be consumed in the diet.

Egg: It is a common food allergen because it is frequently consumed and found in many foods. Individuals with egg allergy should eliminate eggs and egg foods from their diet.

Fish and shellfish: They are strong allergens. Although they often cause asthma or eczema in children, they are actually responsible for itching, skin and eye lesions (urticaria), and allergies in the digestive system.

Nuts (such as hazelnuts, peanuts): Allergic foods in this group are peanuts, almonds, coconuts, chestnuts, walnuts, pistachios, hazelnuts. Although they usually show their effects when they are defeated; Almond, chestnut, hazelnut and peanut can cause an allergic reaction by inhalation. Peanut allergy manifests itself early in life and lasts a lifetime in most individuals.

Cereals: Compared to other foods in this group, wheat and corn are the more common allergen types. Corn has less allergenic properties compared to wheat and is therefore more preferred than wheat. Those with wheat allergy should not consume bran, bulgur, couscous, crackers, starch, pasta, noodles.

Meats: Food allergy to chicken and beef is also usually seen in infancy. In some patients, it is seen together with cow's milk and egg allergy.