Most parents can admit that their children are picky eaters in one way or another, especially when it comes to things like vegetables or certain meats. However, pickiness is completely different from food allergies. There are some children who may be averse to foods because they make them feel ill. As a parent, it’s important to know the difference. Take a look at some of the most telltale signs that your child may have a food allergy.
Itchy Eyes and Running Nose
Parents of small children know that runny noses happen from time to time. Since kids are constantly putting things in their mouths, it’s not uncommon to have common trips to the family doctor for colds. However, in some cases, your child may have extremely itchy eyes and a runny nose due to an allergy.
If it seems like it’s an inconsistent cold that seems to flare up for no particular reason, then you might want to consider it may be a food allergy. Certain foods can give your child seasonal allergy-like symptoms that can be confused with a cold.
Rash
Some foods trigger eczema, which is a dry and scaly rash that usually appears during the first few years of a child’s life. Usually, a good portion of kids with eczema outgrow it over time. If a moisturizer doesn’t put an end to the scaly rash, then it’s a pretty good indication that it’s an allergy. However, you should always have it checked out by a professional who can give you their opinion.
Cough
Coughs aren’t uncommon for kids in general. However, if a child’s cough persists for more than a few weeks and also is accompanied by itchy eyes and a runny nose, then it’s a pretty big indication that something else is at play. Try and take note of when your child coughs. If it’s after being exposed to something that they eat, then you’re on the right track.
Eliminate all the possibilities before you can come to a final conclusion.
Stomach Aches
If your child complains of a stomach ache or even nausea after eating something, then you should start exploring whether it’s what they’re eating causing it. Usually, stomach-related food allergies will occur no more than a few hours after eating the item that there are allergic to. If it falls within that timeline and happens more than once, you can be sure that they are allergic to that food.
Conclusion:
While there is still much research being conducted on food allergies, particularly in children, most experts agree that you’re better off being safe than sorry. Keep a close eye out for the most common signs of food allergies, and always talk to your child’s pediatrician when in doubt.
