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Children's Health - Food Allergy

DEFINITION

Food Allergy is an allergic response to particular foods or food additives.

DESCRIPTION

Studies show that about 6% of children and 1% to 2% of adults have a Food Allergy(1). Babies and young children are most often allergic to milk, eggs, wheat, soybean products and peanuts. Older children and adults are most often allergic to peanuts, tree nuts (walnuts, almonds and cashews), fish and shellfish(2). Allergies to food dyes and colours are rare(3).

Many food intolerances are mistaken for allergies. A food intolerance is an adverse food-induced reaction that does not involve the immune system(4). Sugars and fats do not produce an allergic response. Lactose intolerance is due to difficulty digesting the sugar in milk and is also not an allergy. Food allergies do not cause hyperactivity.

CAUSE

Food Allergy occurs when the body's immune system over-reacts to normally harmless substances (called allergens) in some foods. Hay fever, eczema and many cases of asthma are all caused by allergies. When an allergic person comes into contact with an allergen, their immune system produces a special kind of antibody (IgE). Other cells release further chemicals such as histamine that cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

While allergies are not directly inherited, you may inherit a tendency to be allergic. This is called being atopic. A child with no history of allergies in the family has a 10% chance of developing hay fever, Food Allergies, eczema or asthma. A child with one parent with allergies has a 30% chance and a child with 2 atopic parents has a 60% chance. Allergies start only if you are then exposed to an allergen(5).

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Symptoms vary widely between individuals. Symptoms typically appear within minutes to two hours after the person has eaten the food to which they are allergic. The most common symptoms include:(6) (7) a tingling sensation in the mouth; swelling of the tongue and the throat; difficulty swallowing; difficulty breathing; nasal congestion; runny or itchy nose (rhinitis); hives or skin rash; vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhoea; wheezing (this often sounds like the wheezing associated with asthma); and in severe cases, drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness and respiratory failure (anaphylactic shock).

TREATMENT

Food Allergies can only be correctly diagnosed by a Doctor. There is no cure for Food Allergies. Treatment is aimed at identifying and avoiding the trigger foods. Follow the recommended Diet Hints. Always check food labels carefully and do not eat anything which is unlabelled.
In case of a severe reaction (anaphylactic shock) medical attention must be sought immediately.

  • Dial for an ambulance and tell them the patient is having an allergic reaction.
  • If the person has an injectable dose of adrenaline and you are confident with its use, administer the dose to the patient.
  • Loosen clothing around the neck and chest.
  • If able to swallow, give oral antihistamine (in tablet form).
  • Observe the airway, breathing and circulation.
  • If breathing stops commence CPR.

Your Doctor may recommend you carry an injectable dose of adrenaline with you at all times. Adrenaline (adrenaline) is used in severe reactions and can be a life-saving measure(8).

PHARMACIST

Ask your Pharmacist for advice.

  1. Try to identify the source of the problem and make every effort to avoid any known allergens(9).
  2. Follow the Diet Hints. Try to identify any possible food allergies with a Doctor or Dietitian(10). See the Elimination Trial Diet topic.
  3. Your Pharmacist may suggest an antihistamine. There are several brands available. Watch for any possible side effects which may include drowsiness. New products are on the market which have few side effects(11).
  4. If the allergy has caused a rash, your Pharmacist may recommend an anti-inflammatory cream.
  5. Vitamin C is considered by some people to have natural antihistamine properties(12).
  6. Your Pharmacist can teach you how and when to use your adrenaline injector (if your Doctor has recommended one).

DIET HINTS

  • Allergic responses to certain foods can cause very serious symptoms. It is essential to identify allergic foods so other more serious problems do not arise. Your Doctor is the person to consult for a referral to an Allergy Specialist.
  • Foods that are most commonly assoicated with allergic reactions include; peanuts, cow's milk, soy, seafood and eggs. Similar reactions can occur to some chemicals and food additives.
  • Fortunately, the majority of Food Allergies are not severe, and will disappear with time, particularly in children. Allergies to nuts, seeds and seafood, however, tend to persist throughout life.
  • In some cases a temporary "elimination diet" under close medical supervision will be needed. Potentially allergic foods are eliminated from the diet then reintroduced to help identify the cause of the allergic reaction.
  • Carefully read the content labels of foods in supermarkets. For example, the terms "whey" or "casein" would indicate the presence of dairy products.
  • Prepare in advance for eating away from home as this poses greater risks. For example, it is wise to inform your host or restaurant chef about your allergy and the importance of avoiding contamination of your meal with allergen.
  • It is important to discourage a child with a Food Allergy from swapping food with friends.
  • Children's parties may involve sending the allergic child with their own special party food.
  • Relatives, baby-sitters and other caregivers need to be warned about the problem(13).

VITAMINS/MINERALS/HERBS

A person with the potential to develop anaphylaxis should ALWAYS seek the advice of an Allergy Specialist before taking any nutritional supplements. Supplements may be of benefit in reducing symptoms but are not a cure for allergies. You may be allergic to some substances used in vitamin and herb preparations. Always check the labels of any supplements to ensure the allergens are not present.

  • Garlic and onion may reduce the severity of a skin reaction(14).
  • Bromelain (an enzyme found in pineapple) is thought to inhibit inflammation and may assist in reducing the inflammatory response triggered by allergy(15).
  • Vitamin C reduces histamine release and the sensitivity of inflammatory cells in responding to allergens(16).
  • Albizzia may be used for its 'anti allergy' properties. It is believed to help with lowering allergy producing antibodies and reducing inflammation(17).
  • Evening Primrose Oil has proven anti-inflammatory properties which, if taken over a period of time, may help to reduce the severity of Allergies(18).