Food allergies in children (2–5 years) of Srinagar City, Jammu and Kashmir

The study was carried out to identify the commonly consumed foods by children that caused food allergies in them. One hundred and twenty one children, both boys and girls of 2 to 5 years of age were included in the study and information on various types of food that caused allergies in the children were collected. Data was collected from a children hospital (GB Pant Children Hospital, Srinagar), from the mothers of the children included in the study. It was observed that the highest percentage (39.66%) of children who consumed milk and egg developed gastrointestinal discomforts and the least percentage (9%) of children developed asthma due to dry milk powder and curd. Data was also collected on the foods that caused allergic reactions. Cow's milk was the major cause of food allergy in children (14.04%). Only one child was allergic to fish. Egg allergy was observed in 12.34% of children. Allergies on consumption of banana (7.43%) manifested as respiratory distress in children. Dietary modification and management for such children was recommended by replacing foods that caused allergy with other food stuffs