Common Food Allergies in the Philippines

Do your kids experience allergy symptoms, like cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, hives , swelling, and eczema, within minutes to hours after eating specific kinds of food?1 If so, they may have a food allergy.¹

Before a sensitive child shows food allergy symptoms for a particular food, they must have been exposed to that food at least once before, or was sensitized through breast milk.¹ The second time the child eats that food, they may experience an allergic reaction.¹

Certain antibodies encounter the food, triggering the release of chemicals called histamines.¹ This results in allergy symptoms, which also includes asthma, itching around the mouth, difficulty breathing, stomach pain, vomiting and/or diarrhea.¹ Fortunately, taking care of your kids is possible with medications such as Loratadine (Claritin®).

Common food allergies in kids

Below are some of the most common food allergies kids in the Philippines experience:

Shellfish^2,3,4

Shellfish (crustaceans and mollusks) allergy is considered the most common food allergy in older kids and adults in Asia.2 Shellfish include crab, shrimp, lobster, mussels, clams, oyster, octopus, and scallops.³

Allergic reactions can cause modest symptoms, like hives or stuffy nose or they might trigger severe and life-threatening symptoms4. If you have a mild reaction, over-the-counter antihistamines may help, but for severe reactions or anaphylaxis , seek emergency help right away.²

Eggs⁵

In an egg allergy, the immune system reacts to proteins found in the whites, and less commonly, the yolk of the egg5. Symptoms include rashes, hives, stuffy nose, vomiting, difficulty breathing and digestive issues.5 It rarely causes anaphylaxis.⁵

Dairy⁶

Milk allergies are most common in babies and young children.⁶ A milk allergy occurs when the immune system identifies cow’s milk proteins as harmful foreign bodies.⁶ The reaction happens within minutes to up to two hours after drinking milk or anything with milk proteins.⁶Symptoms include trouble breathing, nausea, hives, itchy and teary eyes, among others; decrease in blood pressure is the most important thing to watch out for in a milk allergy⁶.

Peanuts⁷

Peanut allergy is one of the most common causes of severe allergic reactions, even when consumed only in tiny amounts.⁷ To cause reactions, your child doesn’t even need to eat it. Exposure can be through direct contact (ex. skin contact), cross contact (unintentional introduction of peanuts in a product) and inhalation (through dust or aerosols containing peanuts).⁷ As peanut allergy is the most common cause of food-induced anaphylaxis, treatment usually involves epinephrine and a trip to the emergency room⁷.

Spices⁸

As these are made from plants, spices could potentially be allergens⁸. Anaphylaxis is rare though there have been documented cases of it⁸. A sesame seed allergy is also common but may be set off with just a small amount.⁹

Managing food allergies¹⁰

Read food labels carefully and watch out for ingredients that could be allergens.Have separate sets of utensils for cooking and eating if not everybody in your household follows an allergen -free diet.

Bring a “chef card” or a card that lists allergies when dining out, so the manager and chef know about yours and your child’s allergies. If they are eating without you (as in school), make sure they take it with them and show the person in charge, like the teacher.

Come up with a game plan to follow if your child has accidentally ingested an allergen.
Always bring anti-allergy medication such as Loratadine (Claritin®).

Key Takeaway

The most common foods that cause food allergy include milk, shellfish, peanuts, and eggs¹. Symptoms range from only bringing discomfort to life-threatening¹. It is prudent to bring medication in the event of allergy attacks, such as antihistamines like Loratadine (Claritin®).If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

Some people allergic to pet dander or the proteins in pet urine or saliva might experience allergic dermatitis too, where symptoms present on the skin.

ASC Ref. No. B0073P040323C