Some of these symptoms can look like behaviours that even the healthiest babies display, meaning it can be harder to diagnose. If you suspect your infant has allergies, it’s best to book in to your GP to discuss.
All you need to know about food allergies
Food allergies are now very common, particularly in Australia and New Zealand. About 10 percent of infants have diagnosed food allergies. This then drops to about 4-8 percent in children and 2 percent in adults.
As many parents adjust to making school lunches without nuts, eggs or any one of a number of other identified allergens, it’s led to some confusion within the community about what foods can be allergens, how allergies differ from intolerances and how serious they can be.
The most common food allergies are to egg, cow’s milk, peanut, tree nuts, sesame, soy, fish, shellfish, and wheat, but there are more than 100 foods known to have caused allergic reactions.
Many people who experience allergies report itching, rashes, hives and other skin symptoms after eating the food they’re allergic to. While most allergic reactions are relatively mild, these symptoms can still be very uncomfortable for the person experiencing them. When infants or small children present with those symptoms, it can be terrifying for parents who may not have seen the reaction in their child before.
However, some food allergies can be a lot more serious, causing a life threatening condition called anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis is a very serious reaction of the immune system and quickly causes the airways to narrow. If not treated quickly, it can be fatal.
What’s the difference between food intolerance and allergy?
With the rise in developed countries of both food intolerances and allergies, it’s not uncommon to see the two terms used interchangeably. They’re actually very different concepts, involving different bodily responses.
Food allergies involve our immune systems (mistakenly) thinking that certain foods are attacking our bodies. Our immune system then releases antibodies to fight those invaders. It’s the release of these antibodies that triggers the symptoms we associate with our allergic responses.
Food intolerances don’t involve our immune system, but are chemical responses we may have after eating certain foods. They can involve any one of a number of body systems.
What are the symptoms of food allergy?
In the mild to moderate cases, a food allergy will typically cause:
The signs of a severe or anaphylactic allergic reaction include:
Allergies in infants
Food allergies can be particularly difficult to diagnose in babies, where symptoms can also include:
I think I have a food allergy. How do I get diagnosed?
If you suspect you have a food allergy, the best course of action is to book in to see your GP. After discussing your symptoms and history, your GP may choose to refer you on to an allergist/immunologist for more tests.
How do I treat food allergies?
There are a number of treatments available for food allergies, and the option you choose will probably depend on the severity of your allergy, how it’s affecting your life and whether you can easily avoid the allergen.
If your allergy is easy to avoid and doesn’t trigger serious reactions (for example, you come up in a rash after eating shellfish) you’ll likely be able to get by with simply avoiding the allergen.
If you experience anaphylaxis, you’ll understandably need a different and more-involved treatment plan.
If you suspect you or your family has a food allergy, it’s important to get it checked out. Food allergies can change, becoming more or less serious over time. Understanding your food allergy and how to manage it is the first step in making sure you can minimise its impact on your life.