If your child is one of the nearly six million American children who have food allergies, Dr. Margaret Lubega can help. At First Pediatric Care Center in Gastonia, North Carolina, Dr. Lubega offers advanced testing to determine the root cause of your child’s allergies. She also provides effective management resources to help your child avoid food-related triggers and protect their health. Schedule a consultation online or by calling First Pediatric Care Center directly.
A food allergy is an overreaction of your child’s immune system as the result of eating a certain food. The body thinks the food is harmful and tries to defend itself, leading to a reaction that can range from mild to life-threatening.
Food allergies are common in young children. In some cases, a child can outgrow the allergy. However, there are some foods, including nuts and fish, that may affect your child’s health for their lifetime.
Your child can experience allergic reaction symptoms that affect their mouth, eyes, lungs, stomach, and skin. In some cases, a food allergy can cause complications in the brain.
Allergy symptoms can be mild to moderate, causing itchy skin and eye redness, In the most serious cases, a food allergy can lead to anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that can come on suddenly and involve more than one part of your child’s body. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
This is a dangerous condition that needs immediate medical attention. Without prompt treatment, anaphylaxis can prove fatal.
When your child first shows symptoms of a food allergy, Dr. Lubega discusses the foods your child eats and the type of reaction they have. This can help pinpoint which foods are the trigger for the allergic reaction.
To confirm a food allergy, Dr. Lubega may administer allergy tests. They usually involve skin pricks of potential allergies to determine which substances your child is allergic to and which are safe. She uses small probes to prick your child’s skin.
The probes aren’t painful, but may cause your child some discomfort. When a specific food triggers an allergic reaction, the skin develops a welt that resembles an insect bite.
Once Dr. Lubega confirms a food allergy, she can work with you and your child to develop an allergy management plan. She can recommend techniques and resources to teach your child how to identify foods that contain an allergen and how to avoid them.
For serious reactions to certain foods, it may be necessary for your child to carry the injectable epinephrine pen for use in emergencies.
To discuss testing options for food allergies, schedule an appointment online or by phone.
For more information, read more at the American Academy of Pediatrics.