Food allergies are rare. According to Net Nutritionist, only about 2 percent of people in the United States suffer from allergies that have been diagnosed by a doctor. The effects of true allergies are severe and can range from rashes to anaphylactic shock and death. Food sensitivities on the other hand, are more common and can cause a range of complications that may be hard to pin down, especially in children.
Symptoms
Digestive repercussions such as constipation are a common side effect of food sensitivities. With children, the cause of the gastrointestinal difficulties often is attributed to other causes ranging from infections and flu to nerves or other medication. Symptoms children might experience from a food sensitivity include irritable bowel syndrome and either diarrhea or constipation. Other symptoms they might experience include a cough, mood swings, fatigue and weight fluctuations.
Milk
Rarely do infants experience constipation when they are breastfed. Breast milk is highly digestible so your infant may only have a bowel movement once a week or even less often. According to Family Doctor.org, babies often express a sensitivity once they switch from breast milk or formula to cow's milk and have trouble with constipation. The same child also may have difficulties when they switch to solid food.
Hay Fever
Often children with food sensitivities also have pollen allergies and hay fever, according to Net Nutritionist. The food sensitivity correlates with various foods that also contain specific pollen. Watermelon, cantaloupe, tomatoes and kiwi for example contain properties that are closely related to grass. Birch pollen correlates with peaches, pears and apples, carrots, potatoes, celery and kiwi. Bananas, gourds and melon are related to the ragweed family of pollen.
Gluten
The gluten in wheat products is another common offender to which many children have a food sensitivity. If you find your child reacts negatively to wheat products, you may have to get creative to relieve the constipation. High fiber diets and increased fluid intake usually are the most effective remedies for constipation. Look for high fiber from fruits and vegetables to which your child is not sensitive. Prunes, spinach and apricots are effective bowel movers.
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