Parenting Tips for Your 43-44 Month Old Child
About six percent of young children have food allergies. Although most children start to grow out of food allergies by age three, some do not. It is important to know how to spot a food allergy and help your child understand the condition.
A food allergy makes the body react to the specific food as if it were harmful. The immune system activates antibodies to fight off the allergen. The reaction can be mild to severe, depending on the allergy. It might be a runny nose, a rash, tingling of the mouth or surrounding areas, swelling, a tummy ache or wheezing. Other symptoms include hives, skin rashes, breathing problems, throat tightness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pale skin, becoming light headed, or losing consciousness.
Since your child is still young, she may not be able to tell that she is having an allergic reaction. Here are descriptions your child may give.
- This food is too spicy.
- My tongue is hot (or burning).
- It feels like something is poking my tongue.
- My tongue/mouth is tingling or burning.
- My tongue/mouth itches.
- My tongue feels like there is hair on it.
- My mouth feels funny.
- There’s a frog in my throat.
- There’s something stuck in my throat.
- My tongue feels heavy.
- My lips feel tight.
- It feels like there are bugs in my ears.
- My throat feels thick.
- It feels like there’s a bump in my throat.
Your child may not be able to tell you her feelings. Watch for signs such as grabbing at her mouth, pulling or scratching her tongue; there may be a change in her voice (it may become scratchy or squeaky) and she may slur her words. If your child is having trouble breathing or having any symptoms related to a dangerous allergic reaction, take her to the emergency room and call your doctor.
Milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, wheat, tree nuts (walnuts, cashews), fish and shellfish account for 90% of allergic reactions in children. If you believe your child has a food allergy, talk to her doctor.
