Dr Adam Fox MA(Hons) Cantab.,
MSc,MB,BS,DCH,FRCPCH,FHEA,Dip. Allergy
Consultant Paediatric Allergist
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GI AllergiesFood allergy may present with obvious reactions such as hives or swelling immediately after eating the problem food but this is not always the case. Allergy, particularly in smaller children, may present with a wide variety of different problems including:
- 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. 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.
Successful identification and removal of the allergen from the diet may lead to significant improvements in symptoms but this is not the whole story. Patients and their parents need to replace essential nutrients that the allergen (eg milk) may have provided and need advice on what substitutes are suitable. They also need to know how to recognise and deal with accidental reactions and also be monitored as many food allergies are outgrown. |
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