A food allergy is the immune system's reaction to a certain food. They are milk, egg, wheat, peanut, soy, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish. There is no cure for food allergies. Children with asthma and food allergies are at higher risk for a severe reaction. Allergic symptoms can begin within minutes to 1 hour after ingesting the food.
Milk is the most common cause of food allergies in children.
Other foods most commonly cited are eggs, wheat, peanut, soy and tree nuts. Peanuts, nuts, fish, and shellfish commonly cause the most severe reactions. Up to 5 percent of children have food allergies. Most children outgrow their allergy, although an allergy to peanuts and tree nuts is considered life-long. Some severely allergic children can have a reaction if milk is splashed on their skin.