How Does Food Intolerance Differ from Food Allergy?
Not all unpleasant reactions to food are allergies. Sometimes your child may have a food intolerance. Here are some important differences between the two: A food intolerance: • Usually causes digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, and gas. • Doesn’t involve the immune system and often means your child can’t digest certain foods properly. • May not cause a reaction when the food is eaten in small amounts. A food allergy: • May cause symptoms throughout the body. • Is an immune system response. • Occurs after the slightest exposure to a problem food.
