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What are the Different Types of Kids' Food Allergies?

Anna T.
Anna T.

Some of the different types of kids food allergies are related to milk, eggs, and soy. Additionally, many children develop allergies to peanuts and seafood. Food allergies are typically quite common in young children under the age of three. Most children do not keep these allergies throughout their lives, however, often outgrowing them by the time they reach their teenage years.

Of all the kids food allergies in existence, egg allergies are the most common. In most cases, these allergies are related to the egg whites rather than the egg yolk, but an allergy to either or both parts of the egg is possible. The proteins in eggs are typically responsible for the allergy, and most kids are no longer allergic by the age of five. Signs of an egg allergy may include hives, stomach pain, or a runny nose.

Kids can often develop an allergy to eggs.
Kids can often develop an allergy to eggs.

Milk allergies are also frequently diagnosed in children. Cows milk is typically the problem, but many children may also be unable to tolerate other types of milk. When milk allergies crop up at an early age, they typically go away by the time a child is five years old. Symptoms of milk-related allergies include digestive problems, vomiting, or hives. The whey and casein in milk products are likely responsible for allergic reactions to milk.

Milk allergies are often caused by casein or whey.
Milk allergies are often caused by casein or whey.

Kids food allergies involving soy are not often serious. Most kids who develop soy allergies at an early age outgrow them quickly, as is the case with the majority of early-onset food allergies. Signs of soy allergies in children include hives, facial swelling, and digestive problems. Most children who are allergic to soy are not allergic to peanuts, which is unusual because soy beans and peanuts are both in the legume family. Peanut-allergic children are also not typically allergic to soy.

An allergic reaction from food may cause an outbreak of hives.
An allergic reaction from food may cause an outbreak of hives.

Peanut and seafood allergies are some of the only kids food allergies that are not usually outgrown. Most adults with peanut or seafood allergies have been affected since childhood. Allergic reactions to peanuts and seafood may be incredibly severe, and it is probably beneficial for parents of children with these allergies to place a medical-alert bracelet on them. These bracelets state the allergy the child has, which could help prevent someone from giving him the potentially harmful food or help a medical worker treat the child in case of accidental consumption of the offending food. The use of these bracelets are often considered vitally important for children with peanut allergies because so many foods tend to contain peanut products.

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    • Kids can often develop an allergy to eggs.
      By: Elenathewise
      Kids can often develop an allergy to eggs.
    • Milk allergies are often caused by casein or whey.
      By: Hyrma
      Milk allergies are often caused by casein or whey.
    • An allergic reaction from food may cause an outbreak of hives.
      By: Jürgen Fälchle
      An allergic reaction from food may cause an outbreak of hives.
    • Many children are allergic to seafood.
      By: MIGUEL GARCIA SAAVED
      Many children are allergic to seafood.
    • Kids may develop allergies to peanuts.
      By: pilotl39
      Kids may develop allergies to peanuts.