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Baby and Children’s Allergies and Food Intolerances

Most people have heard about Allergies and Food Intolerances in Baby’s, Toddlers and Children... But when we were growing up, most of us hadn’t heard very much about food intolerances, except maybe about someone being lactose intolerant.

These days whether from the increase of food allergies in children, or simply that we are more aware of food allergies, they are gaining press and we know more about them and more likely to be on the look out for them.

However whilst we might be now more aware of food intolerances and food allergies now adays it is important to understand that they are not the same thing. And that food allergies are not as common as many people seem to think.

What is the difference between food allergies and food intolerances?

When your body is actually allergic to something, and in this case, that something is food. Your immune system reacts to the food substance as if it is toxic. Your body will try to protect itself by releasing chemicals such as histamines into your body’s tissues. In many cases the reaction can be quite major.

Reactions can happen immediately, or they may be delayed.

The good news is though, that most children grow out of food allergies. Researchers estimate whilst around 6 – 8 % of children may have food allergies, by the time they reach adulthood the number of sufferers has reduced to around 1- 2%.

In most cases, however, a reaction to a food substance is a ‘food intolerance’. And unlike an allergy, in these cases your body isn’t actually reacting to the food, in fact in some cases it could probably cope with a very small amount of the substance. Whilst an intolerance usually does not cause as severe as a reaction as an allergy, it can still cause a lot of discomfort to the sufferer, and usually appears as a delayed reaction.

Common food allergies

Whist there are a huge range of foods and other substances that people may be allergic to, around 90% of food allergies are caused by the same common foods:

• peanuts;

• tree nuts e.g. almond, brazil, pecan cashew;

• wheat;

• fish and shellfish;

• hen’s eggs; and

• soybeans

· dairy products;

· strawberries;

· tomatoes;

· food additives and flavour enhancers such as MSG;

· citrus fruit;

· red wine; and

· other foods containing histamines.

Share your stories, tips or advice with our other parents....

Common food intolerances

The most common food intolerances are caused by:

How long do food allergies and intolerances usually last?

Allergies

As discussed earlier, most children will grow out of their food allergies by the time they reach their late teens, particularly if their allergy is to milk, eggs, soybeans or wheat. However, allergies to nuts and seafood are more likely to be a lifelong problem.

Intolerances

Whether a food intolerance is only temporary or is a lifelong problem for your child will depend on the type of food and the reason your child’s body is reacting to it.

Recognising a food allergy

Recognising allergies can be difficult and may take time to become apparent, however, there are a few symptoms you can look out for.

Immediate Reactions - Allergies (approximately 3 minutes to 3 hours after exposure)

Skin Reactions such as redness, hives and dermatitis;

Vomiting;

Stomach Pain;

Diarrhoea;

Nasal Congestion;

Itchy mouth, eyes or skin;

Swelling of eyelids, face, lips or tongue (can restrict breathing); and

Anaphylactic shock

The last symptom here Anaphylactic shock is the most dangerous as it is a severe reaction that can be life threatening. Way to recognize someone suffering from anaphylactic shock can include:

Persistent Cough;

Shortness of Breath;

Wheezing;

Hoarse Voice;

Difficulty Swallowing; and

Passing out

Delayed Reactions - Allergies (up to two days after exposure)

Skin Redness or dermatitis;

Vomiting; and

Diarrhoea and/or stomach cramps

Delayed Reactions - Intolerances (up to two days after exposure)

Skin Redness or dermatitis;

Vomiting;

Diarrhoea and/or stomach cramps; and

Constipation

If your baby has been crying a lot and has lots of runny or watery poo’s then they may have a milk allergy such as lactose intolerance. If you think any of the above symptoms are due to a food allergy or intolerance then see your Doctor immediately.

How can they test for food allergies and intolerances?

There are lots of tests that can be undertaken to determine whether or not your child does have an allergy or intolerance such as:

Skin Prick Test which involves an allergist exposing your child’s skin to a pin prick of the suspected substance;

Blood Tests;

Elimination Diet which involves eliminating all suspected food and then slowly reintroducing it over a set period of time and monitoring your child for reactions;

Supervised Consumption. Your child will be given a small dose of the food in a supervised setting where a specialist can monitor their reactions; and

Food Patch Test. A new test that is being tested that will involve putting a patch on your child’s skin that contains the suspected allergen and monitoring for a reaction.

If your child’s reactions are delayed, then it can be more difficult to diagnose an allergy or intolerance. In this case the Elimination Diet will probably be the best source of diagnosis. However, in the case of suspected lactose or fructose intolerances a specialized breath test may be undertaken. (Lactose intolerance causes higher levels of hydrogen in the breath)

What to do if your child or baby has food allergies

Unfortunately whilst sometimes children grow out of food allergies and intolerances, there is no cure for them. Though there are things that you can do to help manage their allergies so your child can learn to live with them.

Firstly and most important, learn how to avoid the food. This can be very difficult particularly in cases where a reaction is felt after only been exposed to a tiny amount;

Check labels. Remember that foods can have different names on labels, such as cow’s milk protein being referred to as ‘casein’ or ‘whey’.

Avoid touching cutlery or other items that may have touched the substance;

Ask questions if eating out. You need to find out how the food was prepared. If it has or could have been in touch with a food you are trying to avoid. Ask if sauces were pre bought or made from scratch to ensure the chef is aware of exactly what is in the meal.

And try to avoid buffets due to the easy of cross contamination due to the movement of food between dishes;

Have an emergency plan. Know how to recognize symptoms and what to do. Discuss your child’s allergies with your Doctor;

Consider having your child wear a medical bracelet identifying their allergy.

Consider your child carrying an EpiPen if your child’s reaction carries a risk of Anaphylactic shock; and

Ensure everyone that your child interacts with knows of their allergy and what to do in an emergency.

Family History of Allergies

Will my child have an allergy just because I do?

Whilst there seems to be a 40-80% increase risk in developing allergy problems such as asthma, hay-fever and eczema if the parent suffers from the allergy, food is different.

Most children with food allergies and intolerances do not have parents with the same allergies and intolerances. They seem to be specific to the individual. However, there may be a slightly higher risk of similar allergies in siblings.

If you do have a family history of allergies though, there are a few steps that you can take that may help reduce your child’s risk of developing them.

Eat a well balanced and nutritious diet;

Take fish oil - research has shown that asthma, dermatitis and eczema can all be reduced by the baby receiving high levels of omega 3 during utero;

Take a pro-biotic supplement such as Yakult; and

Don’t necessarily try to avoid commonly known allergens e.g. peanuts, shellfish

Breastfeed

Whilst breastfeeding is recommended up until the baby turns 6 months of age, feeding until the age of one or beyond can reduce your child’s risk of food allergies. Just remember to follow the same advice as above when it comes to your diet and vitamin supplementation.

Specialty Formula

Use a partially hydrolysed milk formula as the milk proteins have been broken down in size and this may help prevent the development of allergies in your child. If your child has a specific allergy to cow’s milk then this is not the formula for you. Speak to your Doctor about finding the right formula for your baby.

Delay or slow the introduction of solids

A baby should NEVER have solids before 4 months of age. And in most cases should not begin solids until 5 to 6 months of age. Starting solids too early or too quickly can cause problems with your child’s digestive system and is associated with an increased risk of food allergy.

And Remember

Don’t panic. Whilst having a food allergy will require some changes in you and your child’s life, it will not stop them from having a wonderful and full life full of culinary delights. Just look at all the new foods, recipe books and restaurants around these days that cater for specialty diets like vegetarian, vegan, diabetic and celiac.

Reducing the Risk

It starts with the pregnancy. During your pregnancy:

What to do if your child or baby has food intolerances

As symptoms of food intolerance are usually less severe than those of allergies, the symptoms usually clear up on their own.

If your child’s symptoms include diarrheoa, then ensure that they keep up their fluids.

If you are every unsure of what has caused the reaction or are concerned about this particular reaction then always see your Doctor.

I think my child may have out grown their allergy?

As you know, giving a child a substance that they are known to be allergic to may cause a serious or life threatening reaction. So even if you think your child has outgrown their allergy, never experiment at home, even with tiny amounts of the food.

Instead, visit your doctor or a specialist to have your child assessed under appropriate and safe guidance.