Food allergies are increasingly common in children and can range from mild reactions to severe, life-threatening emergencies. Identifying and managing food allergies early is important to keep children safe and healthy. At Vista Medical Center, providers work with families to diagnose food allergies, create management plans, and provide education for long-term care.
Led by Dr. Haroon Rashid, Vista Medical Center offers pediatric-focused services across Northern Virginia. With locations in Crystal City, North Arlington, and Annandale, our team provides trusted guidance for families navigating food allergies.
What Are Food Allergies?
A food allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies a certain food as harmful and triggers a reaction. Even small amounts of the allergen can cause symptoms. Unlike food intolerances, which may cause discomfort but are not life-threatening, food allergies can lead to severe reactions that require immediate medical attention.
Common Food Allergens in Children
While any food can cause an allergic reaction, the most common culprits include:
- Cow’s milk
- Eggs
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or cashews)
- Soy
- Wheat
- Fish
- Shellfish
These eight allergens account for the majority of reactions in children.
Symptoms of Food Allergies
Food allergy symptoms usually appear within minutes to hours after eating. They may include:
- Hives, itching, or skin rash
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
- Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
- Dizziness or fainting
- Severe reaction (anaphylaxis), which requires emergency treatment
Diagnosing Food Allergies
At Vista Medical Center, providers use a combination of history, testing, and evaluation to diagnose food allergies. The process may include:
- Medical history – Reviewing symptoms and suspected triggers
- Skin prick test – Checking for immediate allergic reactions
- Blood tests – Measuring immune response to specific foods
- Food elimination diets – Temporarily removing and reintroducing foods to confirm triggers
- Specialist referral – In some cases, children may be referred to an allergist for further testing
Managing Food Allergies
Once identified, food allergies can be managed through careful planning and education. Strategies include:
- Strict avoidance – Ensuring children avoid the allergen completely
- Emergency plan – Carrying epinephrine auto-injectors for severe reactions
- Reading labels – Teaching families to recognize hidden ingredients
- School and caregiver communication – Making sure others are aware of the child’s allergy
- Nutrition counseling – Helping families maintain balanced diets while avoiding allergens
Why Choose Vista Medical Center?
Families trust Vista Medical Center for food allergy care because of:
- Experienced Providers – Skilled in recognizing and managing pediatric allergies
- Comprehensive Evaluation – Offering testing and guidance for accurate diagnosis
- Convenient Locations – Crystal City, North Arlington, and Annandale, open daily from 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Family-Focused Support – Helping parents and children navigate daily challenges with confidence
Protecting Children’s Health
Food allergies require careful management, but with proper support, children can live full and active lives. Vista Medical Center partners with families to provide trusted care and education. For more information, contact Crystal City (703) 558-4922, North Arlington (703) 300-9179, Annandale (703) 256-7200.
