Can A Child's Food Allergies Become Worse Over Time?
Some food allergies can improve over time and children improve to where they no longer have symptoms when eating a food. We sometimes refer to this as "outgrowing" the food allergy. This is most common with egg, cow milk, soy, and wheat allergies. This usually happens later in childhood.
In contrast, allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish are typically lifelong. They are less likely to be outgrown. Some people's food allergies do not improve over time. Their reactions can become more severe or become sensitive to smaller amounts. The exact reason for this is not completely understood.
Some people may go on to develop new food allergies. They can also develop other allergic conditions, such as:
This is also known as the allergic march or atopic march. This is the genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases over time.
Meeting with an allergist could be helpful to see if a specific food allergy may have been outgrown. Oral food challenges (under direct medical supervision) can be useful. An allergist can work with your healthcare providers to evaluate and manage the allergies.
John M. James, MD, is a board-certified allergist. He is also President of Food Allergy Consulting and Education Services, LLC. He has worked as a medical specialist in the field of allergy, asthma, and immunology for over 30 years. Dr. James received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Arkansas and his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Tennessee. He is board certified by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology.
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