Dr Adam Fox MA(Hons) Cantab.,
MSc,MB,BS,DCH,FRCPCH,FHEA,Dip. Allergy
Consultant Paediatric Allergist
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Food AllergyFood allergy affects 6-8% of young children in the UK. A diagnosis of food allergy has a massive impact on a child and the everyday life of their whole family. It is essential for optimal management that all the problem foods are correctly identified, that parents know exactly how to recognise and treat allergic reactions if they occur and that the common allergic problems such as eczema and asthma, that commonly go hand in hand with food allergy, are identified and treated.
It is becoming increasingly apparent that food allergy may present not only with obvious reactions such as hives or swelling immediately after eating the problem food. Allergy, particularly in smaller children, may present with a wide variety of different problems including:
- Eczema
- Colic
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux
(effortless vomiting usually after feeds)
- Diarrhoea
- Poor weight gain
- Constipation
Until the underlying allergy is identified and removed, the symptoms may progress and worsen despite aggressive use of treatments such as steroids.
A careful, detailed clinical history taken by an experienced physician coupled with allergy tests such as Skin Prick Testing, Specific IgE blood testing, Atopy Patch Testing or provocation challenges remains the most reliable way to reach a diagnosis or exclude allergy as the cause of the problems. |
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