Food allergies in children
Food allergies in children are becoming increasingly common. But, it’s not always clear what to do if you’re a parent and worried your child might have a food allergy. Here I discuss food allergies in children and what to do if you think your child might have one.
What is a food allergy?
If your child has a food allergy, it means their body’s immune system reacts differently to certain foods. Even though the food may be safe to eat, their body wrongly sees some proteins in the food as harmful.
This can lead to unpleasant side-effects that can be difficult to live with. The good news is that most allergic reactions are mild and resolve on their own, or after taking allergy medication, such as antihistamine.
The most severe type of allergic reaction involves a person’s breathing and/or circulation and is called anaphylaxis. This is rare and can be life threatening and needs urgent medical attention. If your child is finding it hard to breath or swallow after eating, call 999 immediately.
It’s important to read food labels carefully and avoid foods if you’re not sure what they contain. Any pre-packed foods should have a full list of ingredients, as well as allergen labelling.
What are the most common food allergies in children?
The most common food allergy triggers in children include:
- peanuts and tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews, pistachios, hazelnuts, brazil nuts)
- cow’s milk
- hen’s eggs
- wheat
- soya
- fish and shellfish (prawns, crab, lobster, shrimp)
- seeds (sesame seeds)
What causes food allergies in children?
It’s unclear what causes food allergies in children.
But your child may be more likely to develop a food allergy if:
- they already have another food allergy
- they have atopic eczema (a condition that causes itchy, red skin)
- there’s a family history of food allergies or other allergic diseases (such as hay fever, asthma or eczema)
Avoiding food that triggers the allergic reaction is the only way to prevent a reaction. It is important to focus on safe and nutritious options that children can enjoy. A paediatric dietitian can provide you with a food alternative based on your child allergies.
What are the symptoms of food allergies in children?
Children can react differently to a food allergy, and some symptoms will be more severe than others. But shortly after eating the food, they will usually develop one or more of these symptoms:
- a runny, blocked or itchy nose
- sneezing
- shortness of breath
- fainting or loss of consciousness
- itchy, red bumps on the skin (hives)
- a rash or flushed (red) skin
- sore, red, swollen, itchy eyes
- itchy or swollen lips, mouth, tongue or throat
- constipation, diarrhoea, tummy cramps, feeling sick or being sick
- wheezing, a cough, noisy breathing, or shortness of breath
- feeling bloated (a swollen tummy)
It’s also important to understand the key differences between food allergies and food intolerances, so you know what to look out for.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
- finding it hard to swallow
- difficulty breathing
- wheezing
- swelling of their mouth or lips
- feeling faint or dizzy due to low blood pressure
Someone with anaphylaxis may have other symptoms too, such as stomach pains, skin reactions and vomiting. But it’s only anaphylaxis if they also get airway, breathing, or circulation problems. Bupa has more helpful information on everything you need to know about anaphylaxis.
How do I know if my child has a food allergy?
If your child has a reaction and you suspect it’s a food allergy, speak to your GP. They will ask you some questions about your child’s symptoms and medical history and may refer your child to a specialist for tests. Here’s a list of what these might include.
- A blood test. This will test for the IgE antibody that triggers an allergic reaction.
- A skin-prick test. This is where small amounts of the suspected allergen are placed on to your child’s skin. Their skin is then pricked with a needle and any reaction is monitored for the next 15 to 20 minutes.
- An oral food challenge. This is where small amounts of the suspected allergen are given to your child, starting on their lips. This gradually increases before moving on to them eating small amounts and monitoring their reaction.
- A trial elimination diet. This is where the suspected food is removed from your child’s diet for 2 to 6 weeks before being reintroduced. Their symptoms will be monitored throughout. It’s important that these tests are done under the supervision of a trained medical professional. There are lots of different food allergy tests available from commercial companies, but these aren’t always reliable or evidence based.
You also shouldn’t remove complete food groups from a child’s diet without supervision from a registered paediatric dietitian. It’s important to seek help from a registered health professional to help diagnose a food allergy.
How do you treat food allergies in children?
The treatment your child will need for their food allergy will depend on how severe their symptoms are. For allergic reactions like hives or itchy skin, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. They might recommend antihistamines or be able to give you further advice.
But for severe cases such as an anaphylactic reaction, they may need to always carry adrenaline (such as an EpiPen) with them.
The best way to treat a food allergy is to completely avoid eating the food that’s causing the reaction. The only exception could be if a healthcare professional advises otherwise, for example if they suggest gradually reintroducing a certain food to your child’s diet.
You might also find it helpful to:
- have an emergency plan put together by your doctor that you can share with teachers and family members
- ask your child to wear a medical emergency identification (ID) bracelet or a badge that lets people know they have an allergy
You can also speak to a specialist dietitian for more advice and access support groups for helpful tips.
Will my child grow out of their food allergy?
As most children will outgrow their allergies by the time they start school, it is important that they are regularly reviewed. This will help to prevent them avoiding foods that they may not need to. It’s possible your child could grow out of an allergy to cow’s milk, wheat, soya or eggs.
Other food allergies, such as peanuts, tree nuts, fish or shellfish, are more likely to continue into adulthood, so your child may not outgrow them.
UK guidelines recommend that anyone with a peanut allergy should avoid foods that may contain peanuts such as:
- mustard
- mustard powder
- mustard flour
These ingredients are often found in food such as dips, sauces, salads and pre-packed sandwiches.
Even if your child may have outgrown an allergy, you should follow the advice of a qualified dietitian, before reintroducing trigger foods. It can be challenging trying to make sure that your child receives proper nutrition while avoiding allergens. But with careful planning it can be easily done. Try to plan balanced meals using alternative ingredients and involve your child in meal preparation.
You might also find it helpful to create a safe snack station. Cooking from scratch will also help to ensure your child avoids foods that have not been contaminated with other ingredients.
We now offer GP appointments for children under 18. Find out more about our Under 18 GP Service, call us on 0330 822 3072.
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