Food allergies can have a devastating impact on children. A new study indicates that food allergies are even more common, almost double, in children than originally thought. The study done by researchers at Northwestern University, estimates that about 8% of children or 6 million in the U.S. have a food allergy. The study also found that allergic reactions are often severe and that many kids have more than one allergy. The results were recently published online in Pediatrics (the research was funded by the Food Allergy Initiative, a nonprofit advocacy group).

Parents of those children with food allergies were asked if they had one or more of a number of symptoms, including anaphylaxis; swelling of the lips, eyes or face and skin rashes or hives. Of those children with food allergies, the study found the top three allergens were:

• Peanuts (25% of food-allergic children)
• Milk (21%)
• Shellfish (17%)

The findings also suggest that food allergies can affect two children per classroom. This is extremely important for teachers to know which children have allergies in their class and to what foods they are allergic.

Some experts believe allergies including those to food are on the rise. But some people mistake food intolerances for food allergies. Lactose intolerance can cause bloating and gastrointestinal discomfort but is not an allergic reaction.

Many children will outgrow allergies to some foods including eggs and wheat, but they are less likely to outgrow allergies to peanuts and other nuts. Fish and shellfish allergies usually develop later in life, and people generally do not outgrow them.

The study was done to help raise awareness of food allergies with children and how to effectively manage food allergies in schools.