Parents often get confused between a food allergy and food intolerance. Food intolerance is simply when the body cannot properly digest the food and irritates the digestive system causing various symptoms such as nausea, bloating, loose stools, tiredness etc. However, in the case of a food allergy, the body’s immune system attacks the food causing histamine to be released in the body. The reactions can lead to various symptoms such as hives, itching, eczema, throat tightness, abdominal pain, vomiting, and more.
Food Allergy occurs when a person immune system reacts to a particular protein within the food. This can lead to symptoms such as intestinal gas, abdominal pain or diarrhoea. In some cases, people can experience life-threatening reaction such as Anaphylaxis.
Allergies are the most common chronic disorder in children, with an estimated 6-8% of children aged 0-3 suffering from a food allergy, with this figure reducing to 5% when increasing the age range to 0-5.
The most common causes of food allergies in children include:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Peanuts
- Wheat
- Soy
- Tree Nuts
- Fish
- Shellfish
Out of these examples, the most severe reactions are caused after eating peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish
Investigations for food allergies in children are available at our private clinics in Dorking, Surrey and Wimbledon, London, meaning we are ideally placed to provide investigations and treatment for children living in Croydon, Leatherhead, Kingston-upon-Thames, Tonbridge, Maidstone, North and South Kensington, Hammersmith, Twickenham, Camden Town, Wandsworth, and all nearby areas.
Contact us today to book an initial consultation.
