Food allergies are known to be some of the most common triggers for allergic reactions. A food allergy is an abnormal response in the body to a certain food. It is important to remember that this is different than food intolerance, which does not affect the body’s immune system, although some of the same symptoms may be present. Before a food allergy occurs, the child must have been exposed to the food item at least once prior, or be sensitized through breast milk. The allergic reaction usually happens the second time the child eats the food item, which is when the allergic symptoms become present. The most common triggers for severe allergic reactions in children include the following food items: - Peanuts - Eggs - Milk - Wheat - Soy - Tree Nuts - Fish - Shellfish Peanuts, eggs, and milk are the top causes of food allergies on the list for children, while peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish cause the most severe cases of allergic reactions we commonly see in children. While most children will outgrow their allergies, allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish can be lifelong. If you are worried your child may have an allergy, or your child has had an allergic reaction, visit one of our Columbia Clinic Urgent Care locations today. Our pediatricians are available when you need us most, do not hesitate to walk-in or call us if you have a concern or are noticing symptoms of an allergic reaction with your child(ren), some allergic reactions can be mild, but they can turn severe. We are open for any of your allergy concerns or allergic reactions. We serve patients from Portland OR, PDX, Happy Valley OR, Tigard OR, Milwaukie OR, Cedar Hills OR, Cedar Mill OR, Lake Oswego OR, Oak Grove OR, Vancouver WA, Aloha OR, Minnehaha WA, Gladstone OR, Tualatin OR, West Linn OR, Fairview OR, Oregon City OR.