SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
A food allergy usually occurs in the first two years of life, says Dr. Mark H. Ellis, a CHOC Allergy and Immunology Specialist.
“It’s important to know that allergic reactions to food typically occur immediately or within two hours of eating the food,” Dr. Ellis explains. “The child might have skin issues like hives (itchy red spots) or develop itchy skin, or the child might throw up. All the organ systems can be involved. The child might wheeze or become short of breath. In severe cases, the cardiovascular system can be involved and the child could have a drop in blood pressure, feel light headed and faint.”
MANAGING FOOD ALLERGIES
There is no cure for food allergies and the best way to avoid getting sick is avoiding the food.
“You have to find out what the child is allergic to. This comes from the family history and then we take a blood test or a skin test to confirm what the family has told the doctor,” says Dr. Ellis.
With a serious reaction, an adult should inject the child with epinephrine (adrenaline that reverses the symptoms) and call 9-1-1.
“Always have an epinephrine auto-injector. Learn how to read food labels and be careful at high-risk eating areas such as buffets, ice cream parlors and Asian restaurants.”
OUTGROWING A FOOD ALLERGY
Peanut, tree nut and fish allergies, which tend to develop in childhood, usually are lifelong, says Dr. Ellis, adding that children often outgrow allergies to milk, eggs, wheat and soy after several years.
Dr. Mark H. Ellis
CHOC Allergy and Immunology Specialist
Dr. Ellis completed his residency at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center in Tucson and a fellowship in Allergy-Immunology at the University of California, Irvine, Medical Center.
Dr. Ellis is chief of the CHOC Children’s Specialists Allergy & Immunology Division and is the Director of the Allergy, Asthma & Immunology program at CHOC.
Dr. Ellis specializes in the treatment and management of allergies and asthma. He is a principal investigator for many clinical research studies for adults and children concerning new treatments for asthma and allergies.
Dr. Ellis’ philosophy of care: “I like to identify the problem and educate the family on ways to prevent disease.”
Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans
Allergy and Immunology
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