Overview
A food allergy happens when the immune system overreacts to a protein in a certain food. Even a tiny amount can trigger symptoms. Food allergies affect about 8% of children and up to 10% of adults in the United States.
Why this matters for your child
Most allergies come from nine foods
Peanuts, cow's milk, eggs, tree nuts (almonds, cashews, walnuts, etc.), shellfish (shrimp, crab, lobster), fish, wheat, soy, and sesame cause more than 90% of food allergies.
Reactions range from mild to life-threatening
Symptoms usually appear within minutes to two hours after eating the food. A clear diagnosis and action plan brings peace of mind.
Common symptoms
Symptoms usually appear within minutes to two hours after eating the food.
Mild to moderate symptoms
- Hives, itching, or skin rash
- Tingling of the lips, tongue, or throat
- Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Nasal congestion, sneezing, or runny nose
When to see a doctor
- If you suspect a food allergy, see your doctor to discuss next steps — do not diagnose or treat food allergies on your own
- Allergy testing (skin prick or blood test) should only be done when the history suggests a specific food allergy
- Follow up regularly, especially for children, to check whether the allergy has been outgrown
Seek immediate care
Call 911 immediately if you or someone near you shows signs of anaphylaxis — a medical emergency.
Signs of anaphylaxis
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Swelling of the throat or tongue that blocks the airway
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
- Rapid or weak pulse
- A sudden drop in blood pressure
- Loss of consciousness
What to do during a severe reaction
- Use the epinephrine auto-injector right away — inject into the outer thigh
- Call 911 or have someone call for you
- Lie down with legs elevated (sit up if having trouble breathing)
- A second dose of epinephrine can be given after 5 minutes if symptoms do not improve
- Go to the emergency room even if symptoms improve — they can return hours later (biphasic reaction)
Treatment & management options
Epinephrine is the only medication that can stop anaphylaxis. Antihistamines (like Zyrtec) can help with itching and hives but cannot treat a severe reaction on their own.
Stay safe day to day
- Read food labels carefully every time
- Ask about ingredients when eating at restaurants or at other people's homes
- Avoid cross-contamination — use separate utensils, cutting boards, and cooking surfaces
- Always carry two epinephrine auto-injectors if prescribed
- Wear a medical alert bracelet or carry a wallet card that lists allergies
- Make sure family, friends, teachers, and coworkers know about the allergy and how to use the auto-injector
Will my child outgrow a food allergy?
Many children outgrow certain food allergies.
Commonly outgrown
- Milk allergy: about 79% of children outgrow it by age 16
- Egg allergy: about 89% of children outgrow it by age 6
- Soy and wheat allergies are also commonly outgrown
More likely to be lifelong
Allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish are more likely to last a lifetime. Only about 15–29% of children outgrow a peanut allergy.
Preventing food allergies in infants
Early introduction
Current guidelines recommend introducing allergenic foods (such as peanut and egg) early — between 4 and 6 months of age — especially for babies at higher risk (those with eczema or egg allergy). Early introduction has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing food allergies. Talk to your child's doctor before starting.
Ready to talk?
If you suspect your child has a food allergy, schedule a visit — we'll help you get clear answers and a plan that keeps your child safe.
This guide is for general education only. When in doubt, call us — we'd rather hear from you.