Food Sensitivity vs. True Allergies in Kids

When your child’s body reacts to food in a negative way, it could be a food allergy or a food sensitivity, two conditions that are similar but not interchangeable. The difference comes in how a food interacts with your child’s digestive system or their immune system. 

As allergy specialists, our pediatricians at Abdow Friendship Pediatrics in Rockville, Maryland, can help determine the precise problem your child has with certain foods. Whether your child’s issues are caused by allergies or sensitivities, we can help you identify and manage their condition.

The difference between food allergies and food sensitivities 

Despite the similar consequences, allergies and sensitivities (also called intolerances) happen for entirely different reasons. 

Food allergies

An allergy is an abnormal immune system response where a normally harmless substance is mistaken by the immune system for a pathogen, something that could harm your child’s body. Therefore, a food allergy is an immune system response to a food that releases histamines and other chemicals into their bloodstream. 

Symptoms like belly pain, coughing, hives, and breathing problems are common with food allergies. Food allergies can create a severe reaction called anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening in some cases, even if previous allergic reactions were mild.

Food intolerance or sensitivity

When your child’s body can’t digest food completely, they develop signs of sensitivity. A child’s food sensitivity may be caused by a condition called irritable bowel syndrome, where problem foods cause cramps, diarrhea, and constipation, or their bodies lack certain enzymes needed for digestion. This is the reason behind lactose intolerance. 

Celiac disease is a chronic digestive system condition that has features of both intolerance and allergies, though celiac patients aren’t at risk for an anaphylaxis response. 

Comparing the dangers

Being sensitive or intolerant to a food can be a problem, but it’s generally not serious. A child who is sensitive to a food may be able to ingest small amounts of the food without symptoms.

Allergies are a different matter. Most allergies produce skin symptoms such as inflammation, itchiness, and hives. While many allergies are manageable, a child with a food allergy may not be able to ingest any amount of a food without triggering a response. 

When certain food allergies are identified, it may be necessary for your child to have access to an emergency epinephrine shot in case of a severe anaphylaxis reaction. 

Contact Abdow Friendship Pediatrics to learn more about your child’s food responses. We recommend next steps and treatment plans as we learn more about your child’s condition. Call or click to book your appointment with our team today.