Although no-one knows exactly why our children now seem to suffer more food intolerance (including full-blown allergic reactions) of food than 30 years ago, many argue that one of the biggest reasons for the increase is that we are simply more aware of food intolerances today.
It is certainly true that we will more regularly hear of someone we know cutting out wheat because they found they were always full of cold in winter, or that we know someone who isn’t fatally allergic to nuts, but who suffers sore throats and coughs when they have eaten them. Our awareness makes us more prepared to question what we eat as a cause for feeling run down, getting spots, having a chesty cough etc.
Whatever the reasons – and there are many research studies offering different answers – we do understand the important of avoiding food intolerances that could cause our children at least great discomfort, and at worst, serious health problems or even fatal exposure.
In an urgent situation, if your child begins to choke, cough heavily or a rash appears quickly around her mouth and begins to spread, call NHS Direct on 0845 4647. They can help to gauge whether immediate medical help is required, or if the reaction is less serious.
The instance of adverse reaction to certain foods is more common in children under five years old than in any other group. Happily therefore, most children do grow out of their incompatibility. And whilst it is estimated that between five and ten per cent of under-fives might suffer in this way, it is thought that only one or two in every 100 children have a serious, genuinely allergic reaction.
Food and drink most likely to cause a problem
Any food could in a rare instance, cause a bad reaction, but some are more common. Citrus fruit can be a trigger for some children, and it is not advisable to give strawberries to children under one. Beyond this age, most children love them and they are a great source of nutrition, so try them tentatively if you have any concern.
Protein sources such as cow's milk, egg, soya and nuts can cause adverse reactions in children. Unfortunately, these are nutritious for growing infants, and, whilst it is quite easy to avoid nuts for the time being, it is important to discuss the intolerance with your GP before removing milk or egg from your child’s diet.
It is possible in some rare cases, for a baby to be allergic to breastmilk. This you may well find is not so much the milk itself, but a heightened sensitivity to something in the mother’s diet. Again, talk to your GP who can advise on preferable alternatives.
Fish and shellfish can cause problems, though these are not usually a staple of a young child’s diet. Try to feed small amounts of fish at first, and try fish like tuna or a mild whitemeat fish, and gauge your child’s reaction, before feeding larger amounts. For most children there will be no reaction and fish then is a fabulous source of goodness.
Gluten (found in wheat, and other grains) is a growing concern. If you or your partner have a gluten intolerance, seek GP advice before weaning, as sometimes it is best to delay full-on weaning for a while. Rice is a useful alternative to bread, pasta etc, and there are now some excellent gluten-free basics on the market, not only via brands like Peter Rabbit, but also supermarket own brands.
Sesame is widely used as a base ingredient but can cause a reaction. If your child is getting an unexpected adverse reaction to a meal, have a good look at the ingredients because things like sesame are used even when they are not a key flavour or feature of the recipe.
Who is most prone to a bad reaction?
Anyone can develop an allergy, but there are factors which tend to flag up a cautious approach.
If a parent or brother or sister have an intolerance, a child is more likely to have a problem. It is believed that parents who are more prone to asthma or eczema are more likely to have children with some feeding issue, however, this is not necessarily the case and should not prevent you trying to give your child as wide a range of foods as possible. If in doubt, simply consult your own doctor first, discussing your own medical history with him.
One of the reasons why it is now deemed preferable to solely breastfeed up to six months, is because this appears to help reduce the likelihood of food intolerance. However, there are good alternative formula milks if you need to bottle feed your baby and find she is intolerant of the regular formulas.
Ideally, the main triggers for food intolerance should be avoided in your earliest weaning recipes. Try to keep recipes simple at first and then you will be able to see more clearly, if a particular new addition to your child’s repertoire, is causing an allergic reaction.
Signs of allergic reaction
The most likely allergic reactions your baby will have include some of the signs of a cold: getting a sore throat, a runny nose or
earache. These can also be symptoms of teething, but if other symptoms are not present - an excessive cough that is not linked to other
signs of having a cold or it looks like teething but without the red cheeks or nappy rashes - then you could think about potential
allergens that your child might have been exposed to.
Other reactions include stomach upset and being sick or have itchy, sore eyes.
The most obvious manifestation is a skin reaction: blotchy, raised red rashes, itchy patches and swelling around the mouth or
possibly the eyes.
Do not worry that your child has an allergy or a related serious condition or offer medication until you have spoken to a health
professional. Remember that babies are experiencing many new things in their first year which will sometimes produce a short-lived,
harmless physical reaction that often goes unnoticed by the child himself.
For more information, check out the Allergy UK wesbite (helpline 01322 619 898)
or visit the site of The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network.
