Food allergies in American children seem to be on the rise.

A federal study shows 3 million kids are affected by food allergies, but experts say it could just be that parents are more aware and quicker to have their kids checked out by a doctor.

About 1 in 26 children had food allergies last year, up from 1 in 29 kids in 1997.

The lead author of the study says the 18 percent jump isn't just a statistical blip. Experts note the number of peanut allergies has doubled, while children also seem to be taking longer to outgrow milk and egg
allergies.

But also figuring into the equation are parents and doctors who are more likely to consider food as the trigger for symptoms like vomiting, skin rashes and breathing problems.