Food allergies in children
Some children experience unpleasant reactions after eating certain foods like coughing, vomiting, itchy rash, diarrhoea or tingling of the mouth or throat, though they often outgrow these. However, with a few children, some foods may cause a reaction so severe that it is life-threatening. This is called anaphylaxis.
Symptoms of a food allergy
Allergic reactions usually happen quickly within a few minutes of your baby trying a new food, but it may take up to two hours for symptoms to appear.
In some allergies, such as cow's milk allergy, it can take up to three days for symptoms to appear.
Allergic reactions can cause:
- swollen lips or face
- red, itchy, watery eyes
- wheezing and coughing
- a red, itchy rash
- worsening of eczema symptoms
- feeling or being sick
- tummy pain, diarrhoea or constipation
- Your baby may also have other symptoms, such as:
- sneezing
- a runny or blocked nose
- worsening of asthma symptoms
Most allergic reactions are mild.
But occasionally a severe reaction called anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock can occur.
This starts quickly and can cause breathing problems, a swollen throat or tongue, or a raised, itchy rash.
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and needs urgent treatment.
If your child is fainting or having trouble breathing, you need to call 999 immediately.
Food that may cause allergies
Foods most likely to cause an allergic reaction include:
- wheat-based foods which contain gluten
- nuts and seeds, including ground nuts
- eggs
- fish and shellfish
- soft and unpasteurised cheese
- cow's milk
If you think your child is reacting to certain foods, you should speak to your doctor or your health visitor.
Don’t be tempted to experiment by cutting out a major food (like milk) as you may be cutting important nutrients from your child’s diet.
Peanut allergy
Peanut allergy can be particularly serious.
The children most at risk of peanut allergy are those whose parents or siblings have:
For any children at risk, avoid giving them peanuts and foods containing peanut products (like peanut butter and peanut oil) until they are three years old.
Food safety
Babies and young children are particularly vulnerable to bacteria that cause food poisoning.
It is very important that you store, prepare and cook food safely and keep the kitchen, chopping board and cooking utensils clean.