Healthy Habits: Yeast Allergies Symptoms in Kids

Allergies are a common issue that millions of kids and adults deal with. Sometimes allergies are temporary, but other allergies are life long, and those with allergies must learn to manage their sensitivities. Whether allergies are temporary or lifelong, you must know how to recognize symptoms of allergies and track known allergies to prevent accidents. When it comes to kids, managing allergies can be even harder. Teaching a young child to monitor their allergies is an uphill battle, and the responsibility will often fall on parents or caretakers instead. It is easier to recognize when your body reacts to something, but it is much harder to notice the same reactions in someone else, especially a kid who may not be forthcoming with discomfort. By learning the signs and symptoms of allergies, like a yeast allergy, you can keep your kids safe and limit future exposure. 

What Is A Yeast Allergy

Yeast is a type of fungus that belongs to the same biological group as mushrooms. Yeast is most commonly used as a fermentation agent in food production. Yeast is mainly used to leaven bread or to make liquids like beer, vinegar, and wine. There are also types of natural yeast within our bodies. Candida is a type of yeast fungus that lives in our intestines to help with digestion, but too much candida can cause health problems. With yeast being such a common ingredient in many different products and naturally occurring within our bodies, a yeast allergy can be a significant road bump. 

Allergic reactions can vary wildly from person to person. One child with a yeast allergy might present with mild symptoms while a different child might go into anaphylaxis. Allergies are entirely dependent on the person. You must understand your child’s unique reactions and sensitivities to manage their allergies appropriately. 

Symptoms Of A Yeast Allergy

Like any allergy, a yeast allergy can present in various ways, and there are a multitude of symptoms to keep an eye out for. 

• Diarrhea

• Bloating

• Gas

• Stomach discomfort

• Low blood pressure

• Swollen throat

• Difficulty breathing

• Hives

• Congestion

• Rash

• Patches that ooze clear fluid

• Pimples

• Itching or burning

• White patches of thrush on the tongue, top of the mouth, and inside of the cheeks

• Unexpected weight gain

• Feeling “bad all over” or a general ill feeling

• Joint pain

Your child might present only some of these symptoms or slightly different symptoms. If you suspect your child is allergic to something, take them to see a specialist to conduct tests and identify the specific allergy. Make a note of any symptoms so your family doctor can better narrow down the cause. Each individual’s response to allergens will dictate the best treatment and management plan. Once you have identified your child’s allergy, it may be prudent to carry an EpiPen just in case. 

Prevention

One of the best ways to manage an allergy is to limit exposure to the allergen. If your child presents with some of the symptoms above, examining their diet is one of the first steps. Yeast is a part of many different foods, so eliminating yeast entirely might be tricky, but knowing what to look for can help. 

• Most bread and baked goods

• Cereals 

• Premade store-bought stocks and gravies

• Vinegar and foods containing vinegar, such as pickles or salad dressing

• Mushrooms

• Fermented foods like ripe cheeses and sauerkraut

• Dried fruits

• Blackberries, grapes, strawberries, and blueberries

• Buttermilk, synthetic cream, and yogurt

• Soy sauce, miso, and tamarind

• Tofu

• Citric acid

Yeast and mold can also grow on most foods that have been left out or stored for long periods of time. 

Allergy vs. Build Up vs. Intolerance

It is not uncommon for kids and adults to show symptoms of an allergy, but not truly be allergic. A yeast build-up results from having too much yeast or candida in the body, which creates symptoms of an allergy. Yeast build-ups can be cured rather than just managed with simple remedies like a change in diet and probiotics. A yeast intolerance will present with more mild symptoms like general digestive discomfort and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Like allergies, an intolerance cannot be cured but may fade over time. An allergy is your body’s immune system reacting negatively to something that is not typically harmful. A yeast allergy can affect the entire body and can be dangerous or lethal. Allergies range in severity and can fade over time, but not all do. 

Allergies affect millions of people worldwide, and each allergy is different. Whether your child is facing a yeast build-up, intolerance, or allergy, you should learn the symptoms to look out for. Talk with your family doctor to create a treatment or management plan, but the first thing you can do is examine your child’s diet for potential allergens.