Food allergy education: 6 things you need to know for your child

How do I know if my child has a food allergy?

This is a common question asked among many parents and something we hear often. We know prevention is the best form of cure, and we would rather prevent our little ones from having a reaction we cannot control in the first place. So, when they’re ready for solids, it’s important to introduce different food varieties little by little in order to rule out any allergies.

1. What are food allergies exactly?

When our immune system sees food as an invader, it triggers an allergic reaction. Our bodies are designed to routinely fight infections, and in the case of a food allergy our body reacts in a similar way. Instead of fighting off a cold or a flu, our body is attempting to protect us from a particular food, and a food allergy develops.

2. Who is at risk?

Anyone is potentially at risk of developing a food allergy. However, if either parent has allergies there is a higher likelihood of the child developing a food allergy. Even if previous reactions have been mild, it’s important to remain vigilant as anyone with a food allergy is potentially at risk of the next reaction being more severe or even life-threatening.

Individuals with a food allergy are usually recommended to avoid the problem food/s altogether.

3. What are the most common food allergies?

Any food may cause an allergic reaction in children as well as adults. These are the most common allergens known to cause 90% of all reactions in kids:

• Milk

• Eggs

• Peanuts

• Soy

• Wheat

• Tree nuts (such as walnuts and cashews)

• Fish

• Shellfish (such as shrimp)

• Sesame

4. What is an allergic reaction?

An allergic reaction is your immune system responding to a food that it does not agree with. This stimulates the body to release chemicals such as histamines. Reactions can be mild or severe; and as we know, a person can have a severe reaction to a food even if they have only experienced mild reactions previously. Allergic reactions can produce different symptoms, including:

• Wheezing

• Difficulty breathing

• Coughing

• Hoarseness

• Throat tightness

• Belly pain

• Vomiting (the most common in infants)

• Diarrhoea

• Itchy, watery, or swollen eyes

• Hives (the most common in infants)

• Red spots

• Swelling

• Light-headedness or loss of consciousness (passing out)

In some cases, allergies can cause a severe reaction called anaphylaxis.

5. What is a food intolerance?

It is often the case that food allergies are confused with food intolerances. The symptoms of food intolerances are far less severe than food allergies. Symptoms can include burping, indigestion, gas, loose stools, headaches, or nervousness.

Food intolerances do not involve the immune system and can occur if you simply do not chew your food properly or because you can’t digest a substance, such as lactose. Symptoms of lactose intolerance can be unpleasant; however they aren’t usually dangerous or life threatening in the same way that allergies can be.

6. Receiving a diagnosis

Our fantastic Adelaide Paediatrics’ Allergy Team provides diagnosis and treatment for issues such as:

• Environmental Allergies

• Food allergies and intolerances

• Atopic dermatitis

• Skin prick testing

• Immunotherapy

• Dietitian support & advice

• Food & drug challenges

We have an amazing team working across Allergy and Immunology including Dr Henning Johannsen, Dr Leigh Mackey, Dr Melissa Norman and Dr Christine Ziegler, and allergy dietitians Laura Ryan and Rachel George providing services at several locations.

Make a booking

• Ashford

  Adelaide Paediatrics Ashford
  Suite 15, Level 3 Ashford Specialist Centre
  57-59 Anzac Highway
  Ashford SA 5035

  T: 08 7123 6171
  F: 08 7123 0821

• Bedford Park

  Adelaide Paediatrics Bedford Park
  Mark Oliphant Building
  8/5 Laffer Drive
  Bedford Park
  SA 5042

  T: 08 7123 6149
  F: 08 7123 0821

• Elizabeth Vale

  Adelaide Paediatrics Elizabeth Vale
  32 Oldham Road
  Elizabeth Vale
  SA 5112

  T: 08 7123 6148
  F: 08 7123 0821

• Kensington Park

  Adelaide Paediatrics Kensington Park
  360 Magill Road
  Kensington Park SA 5068

  T: 08 7123 6176
  F: 08 7123 0821

• Mile End – SuperGym

  Adelaide Paediatrics Mile End
  71 Henley Beach Road
  Mile End SA 5031

  T: 08 7123 6147
  F: 08 7123 0821

• Morphett Vale

  Adelaide Paediatrics Morphett Vale
  221-223 Main South Road
  Morphett Vale SA 5162

  T: 08 7123 6163
  F: 08 7123 0821

• Mount Barker

  Adelaide Paediatrics Mount Barker
  2/50 Victoria Road
  Mount Barker SA 5251

  T: 08 7123 6175
  F: 08 7123 0821

• North Adelaide

  Adelaide Paediatrics North Adelaide
  Calvary Hospital
  89 Strangways Terrace
  North Adelaide SA 5006

  T: 08 7123 6173
  F: 08 8239 9119

• Wayville

  Adelaide Paediatrics Wayville
  The Terraces
  4-6 Goodwood Road
  Wayville SA 5034

  T: 08 7123 6177
  F: 08 7123 0821