Imagine the following scenario: You receive a gift box from friends filled with various treats, some of which your family has never tried. Your child eats one of the snacks, and about 30 minutes later, develops a noticeable rash and puffy lips. These symptoms are startling, but is it an allergy or a sensitivity?
At Old Fourth Ward Pediatrics, our caring pediatricians often encounter similar situations and use their expertise to guide parents. Keep reading to learn the difference between food allergies and food sensitivities, symptoms to watch for, and what to do if your child experiences one or the other.
Food allergies and food sensitivities can present similar symptoms, but they aren’t the same:
Allergies occur when the immune system misidentifies a harmless substance, such as a food or liquid, as a dangerous invader. This triggers the production of antibodies, which can lead to a potentially dangerous allergic reaction.
Sensitivities, also known as intolerances, affect the digestive system and occur when the body has difficulty processing certain foods or drinks.
Sensitivities can present uncomfortable symptoms, such as a stomachache or diarrhea, but these issues typically improve within a few hours. Allergies, on the other hand, can trigger life-threatening reactions, so it’s essential to know when to take action.
The symptoms of food allergies and food sensitivities often overlap, but there are subtle differences. Here’s a quick comparison:
These typically occur within a few minutes of eating and include hives, wheezing, swelling of the lips and tongue, and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
Food sensitivities usually don’t cause problems until a few hours after eating. Telltale signs include bloating, diarrhea, nausea, headaches, or fatigue.
If your child tells you their stomach hurts and they don’t feel well, a food sensitivity could be to blame. But if they have trouble breathing or experience swelling, visit the nearest emergency room right away.
The only way to know for sure whether your child has a food allergy or intolerance is to consult with a pediatrician or allergist.
After reviewing your child’s health records, asking about their symptoms, and completing a well-child exam, we may order specialized testing.
If we suspect your child has a food allergy, we may recommend a skin prick test, which exposes your child’s skin to several common allergens. We would refer you to an allergist for this test. If your child’s skin develops welts after the prick test or they have an abnormally high IgE count, they likely have a food allergy.
If we suspect a food sensitivity, we may ask you to keep a food diary to help identify which foods trigger your child’s symptoms. An elimination diet can also help pinpoint the cause of your child’s discomfort.
After diagnosing, we develop a personalized treatment plan. Children with allergies should avoid allergy-causing foods and may also need prescription medication, such as epinephrine, if their allergy is severe. Food sensitivities typically improve by avoiding the food that causes discomfort.
Millions of American children have food allergies and sensitivities, but they can be managed safely and effectively. If you’re concerned that your child is at risk, our caring pediatricians can help. Contact Old Fourth Ward Pediatrics in Atlanta, Georgia, today by calling our office or using our online booking feature.
