Many elementary teachers are noticing that more and more children have food allergies. Well, it is a fact that food allergies among children are definitely increasing. In fact, between 1997 and 2007, the amount of children with food allergies has increased by an astounding 18 percent.
Some people believe it is because of the ever increasing awareness of food allergy signs and symptoms. There is also more food allergy testing available to the public.
There is some evidence that these increasing amounts of food allergies is an actuality and not perceived, as some have believed in the past. A study from the Children’s Hospital of Boston reported that pediatric emergency room visits because of food allergies has doubled between 2001 and 2006. Currently, it is believed that 4 percent of U.S. children have food allergies.
It is not known why food allergies are rising. There are many explanations.
Milk, eggs, nuts, soy, fish and wheat are the most common allergenic foods. Some people think that bringing these foods into a child’s diet too early might lead to a food allergy. On the flip side, some experts believe that delaying the introduction of these foods could be the reason. Family history can also come into play.
Parents will definitely continue to hear confusing advice about prevention of these food allergies, until scientists finally are able to discover the reason for these allergies to occur. At the moment, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests breast-feeding only until six months of age. Following this advice has been proven in studies to bring down the occurrence of food allergies and eczema.
After an infant has turned six months old, the AAP doesn’t recommend holding off on introducing any particular type of food group. This said, be sure to check with your doctor about specific advice about the introduction of solid foods if your infant has eczema, asthma, known food allergies or a family history of food allergies.