According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), food allergies can be caused by many different foods. The most common culprits are cow's milk and other dairy products, egg whites, and poultry. Seafood, wheat, nuts, soy protein and chocolate can also cause reactions.

Allergic symptoms may include a runny, itchy nose, sneezing and coughing. Children may also have stomach pain, cramping or diarrhea, skin rashes and even facial swelling. These reactions usually occur right after your child eats a certain food, but they can happen hours or even days later.

Food allergies can be mediated by the body's immune system, specifically immunoglobulins (IgE) and a special kind of cell called "mast cells." Diagnosing food allergies can be difficult. Other medical problems can cause the same symptoms and pinpointing the offending food can be tough so your pediatrician may perform some testing or refer your child to an allergist.

Another option is an "elimination diet" that involves removing from your child's diet all the foods you suspect are causing the problem and closely monitoring her to see if her allergic symptoms go away. If your child is experiencing these symptoms, you should have him/her have prompt evaluation by his/her health care provider. For more information on your child's health, visit www.aap.org.