由 home-healthhaven 
Millions of people worldwide deal with mild food allergies, so checking if your child has a food allergy is crucial. Here are some tips to determine if a food allergy is present.
**Spotting Immediate Physical Reactions**
Doctors say food allergies can often be inherited. If parents have a specific food allergy, their child is more likely to have it too. Luckily, food allergy symptoms in children are usually easy to identify. Many of these symptoms are similar to those of seasonal allergies, such as hives on the face and neck, swollen or tender lips, frequent sneezing, a runny or clogged nose, watery or red eyes, an itchy mouth or tongue, a scratchy throat, trouble swallowing, painful swallowing, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, and rashes.
These immediate physical reactions are common when children have a food allergy. In more severe cases, there might also be breathing issues. Some children, however, experience delayed allergic reactions, which come with different symptoms.
**Delayed Allergic Reactions**
Delayed allergic reactions can manifest as reflux, diarrhea, constipation, rash, and colic. Reflux, which is the body’s difficulty in digesting food, might cause hiccups, constant coughing, or burping. Colic, triggered by such reactions, involves excessive crying and is more intense and frequent than usual crying. If your child shows these symptoms, it’s essential to get them checked out because some food allergies can lead to severe consequences, like a coma or even death.
**Diagnosing Food Allergies**
To find out if your child has a food allergy or just a sensitivity, medical testing is necessary. Visiting a dermatologist or an allergist is a good step. Diagnosing a food allergy typically involves a skin prick test and blood tests, as these are the most effective methods.
**Treating Food Allergies**
Reading food labels carefully is vital for avoiding allergic reactions. Besides being cautious about their diet, children might need daily medication or an epinephrine injector (Epipen) for emergencies. Managing food allergies is quite straightforward, allowing your child to lead a normal, healthy life.
**Conclusion**
It is important to identify and monitor food allergies. By recognizing common symptoms and consulting medical professionals for appropriate treatment, you can easily manage food allergies and prevent serious reactions.