SPOTTING THE SYMPTOMS

Allergic reactions are triggered by the body making antibodies to proteins in foods. A severe allergic reaction, characterized by difficulty breathing and even collapse and shock, can be a life-threatening emergency. Fortunately, this is not the most common form of allergic reaction. Parents mostly see hives and other red, spotty rashes, diarrhea, vomiting, runny nose, and wheezing in their allergic children.

MILK MATTERS

In small children, cows' milk (often an ingredient in standard infant formulas) is the most common cause of an allergic reaction. About two or three out of every 100 children are affected by cows' milk allergy. Almost 95 percent of them outgrow it by age 4. Nuts, shellfish, and egg whites are close to cows' milk as allergic triggers.

FEEL LIKE A NUT?

Peanuts are another common cause of allergic reactions. Peanuts aren't really nuts--they're legumes, like peas. Kids can be allergic to peanuts and fine with almonds, walnuts, or other true nuts. Since peanuts are often found in kids' foods, you'll have to be vigilant with this allergy.

Whole nuts should not be given to children under 4 because they can't grind them adequately with their teeth. As a result, it's easy to inhale pieces into the lungs.