Eight signs of food allergies in children you might not know - and what to do if they have a reaction
While allergies can range from mild reactions to life-threatening sensitivity, they may not always be easy to spot, especially in children. The NHS states that allergies currently affect an estimated 30 per cent of children in Scotland, and a new initiative focused on increasing allergy awareness in schools has been given the royal seal of approval from King Charles III himself.
The Natasha Allergy Research Foundation was founded in June 2019 following the tragic death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse. Natasha passed away from eating sesame seeds that were baked into the dough of a baguette.
The foundation started the new Allergy School programme after discovering that the majority of teachers had no allergy awareness training. The programme has been partially developed in collaboration with the King’s Foundation, which was established by Charles.
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It offers free, practical resources to help teachers, club leaders, and anyone who cares for children between three and 11 learn all about food allergies.
The King said: “I am delighted to hear of the launch of Allergy School, the new educational programme by the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation. Improving understanding of this issue is so important for keeping children with food allergies safe and ensuring they are able to participate fully in activities at school or in our wider communities.”
But what are the key symptoms of food allergies in young kids? Here's everything you need to know to spot a child having an allergic reaction.
What are the most common food allergies in children?
“The most common food allergens in children include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts (e.g., almonds, cashews), sesame, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish,” says Helen Brough, professor in paediatric allergy and medical adviser to the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation.
What are some signs that might indicate a child has a food allergy?
1. Swelling
“Puffiness around the lips, face, or eyes can indicate an allergic reaction,” says Brough.
2. Hives or skin rash
“Red, itchy, raised spots can appear shortly after eating,” notes Brough.
3. Sneezing or nasal congestion
“Allergic rhinitis symptoms like a runny nose can also appear,” says Brough.
4. Itchy mouth or throat
“People may experience mild irritation [in the mouth or throat] after eating certain foods, like fresh fruits or nuts,” says Brough.
5. Stomach issues
“Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or stomach cramps may also occur,” adds Brough.
6. Breathing problems
“Coughing, wheezing, or trouble breathing could signal a serious reaction,” says Brough.
7. Dizziness or fainting
“In severe cases, a drop in blood pressure may cause weakness or collapse,” highlights Brough.
8. Delayed signs
“There are two types of food allergy: immediate - mediated by the IgE antibody - which cause the symptoms described above, and delayed -non-IgE mediated,” explains Brough.
“In delayed food allergy, more delayed, persistent signs can be present, like eczema, vomiting, stomach pains, loose or mucousy bowel motions.”
How quickly do allergic reactions come on after consuming food?
An allergic reaction can last anywhere from a few minutes to several days, depending on the severity and type of reaction.
“IgE mediated reactions usually occur within minutes to two hours after eating the allergen,” explains Brough. Severe reactions, like anaphylaxis, can happen quickly, within 30 minutes. Delayed food allergic reactions can come on up to 72 hours after eating the food.”
How can parents find out which food their child is having allergic reactions to?
“Parents can keep a food diary to track meals and symptoms,” says Brough. A paediatric allergy specialist can perform tests, such as a skin prick test or specialist allergy blood test, to identify specific food allergens.
“In some cases, an oral food challenge (where the child is given the food to eat under medical supervision) may be recommended.”
What should parents do if their child is experiencing a serious allergic reaction?
“If the child has symptoms or signs of anaphylaxis (e.g., difficulty breathing, persistent cough, hoarse voice, swollen tongue, wheeze, suddenly sleepy, persistently dizzy or fainting), administer an adrenaline auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen or Jext) immediately and call 999 saying the word anaphylaxis,” advises Brough.
If no auto-injector is available, call 999 immediately. “Keep the child calm and lying down until help arrives but if they are having breathing difficulties they may be allowed to sit up,” adds Brough.
“If they are no better within 5 minutes, use their second adrenaline autoinjector. If there are no signs of life, start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).”
