Many mums worry about their babies reacting to the foods they give them or developing an allergy. Allergy and intolerance are two distinct conditions and should not be confused
Food Allergy
- A true food allergy happens when the immune system is involved and often causes an immediate reaction after consumption of the food
- The most common symptoms of a food allergy are irritation of the skin and eyes, swellings around the eyes and tongue, sneezing and blocked or runny noses, shortness of breath and coughing, abdominal pains, diarrhoea and vomiting
- Around 5-8 % of children will develop a true food allergy and up to 90% of children will grow out of these allergies, often by 5 years of age. They may however go on to develop other allergy-related conditions such as asthma, eczema, hay fever or rhinitis, later in life
- The foods that are most commonly associated with food allergies are: eggs, cows’ milk, nuts, wheat, fish, shellfish, peanuts and soya
Food Intolerance
- Food intolerance is often a more delayed reaction, often occurring hours or even days after eating certain foods. Lactose intolerance is an example
- Symptoms often involve the digestive tract and include pain and colic, bloating, wind, diarrhoea and sometimes vomiting
If you suspect your baby has a food allergy or intolerance
It is really important that if you suspect your child has had an adverse reaction to a food they have eaten that you seek professional medical advice. If a true allergy or intolerance is diagnosed you will be given help to put together a suitable diet for your baby which ensures that the nutrients provided by the problem food are adequately replaced using other foods.
