Food allergies and anaphylaxis

Food allergy affects around 10% of kids. Many will grow out of these allergies in late childhood due to the development of their immune system, particularly allergies to milk and eggs. Some children have a higher risk of developing a food allergy, but when introducing high-allergen foods, the approach is the same for all children. 

Tips for introducing high-allergen foods 

The best way to reduce the risk of food allergies is to offer high-allergen foods early and frequently The most common allergens 

  • egg 
  • peanut 
  • cow’s milk (dairy) 
  • tree nuts (cashews, almond walnuts etc) 
  • soy 
  • sesame 
  • wheat 
  • fish and other seafood (i.e. shellfish) 

Give only one high-allergen food at a time. This makes it easier to identify what food caused the allergy and offer it 2-4 times separately before adding to the overall diet (non-high allergen foods can be offered together). 

Give high-allergen foods earlier in the day - and if possible, when another person is around. 

Give only a small amount when offering for the first time. Peanuts - small amount (1⁄4 tsp) mixed into yoghurt or in milk. Eggs - in baked goods or a small amount of cooked egg. 

The signs of a food allergy are the same as for any allergy 

Allergies 

If your infant already has an allergic disease (such as severe eczema or food allergy), you should discuss what specific measures might be useful with your healthcare provider. 

What is the difference between sensitivity and an allergy? 

When you have a food allergy, your immune system causes the reaction. If you have a food sensitivity or intolerance, the reaction is triggered by the digestive system. 

Symptoms of food intolerance occur over hours/days and include gas, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, cramping, and nausea, irritability, fussiness, over-activity and awaking throughout the night, frequent regurgitation of foods, nasal and/or chest congestion, and red, chapped or inflamed eczema-like skin rash 

Symptoms of food allergy occur immediately or within an hour & include hives, swelling, itching and anaphylaxis. 

Dust mite allergy

Dust mite allergy can trigger allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and typically begins to develop in children as young as two. It can also trigger eczema.

The common symptoms of allergic rhinitis include your child breathing through their mouth, having a stuffy nose all the time or during specific seasons, dark circles under their eyes or snoring at night. Left untreated, allergic rhinitis can have a detrimental effect on your child’s learning and behaviour.

For diagnosis, an experienced GP, paediatrician or an allergy specialist will take a history of reactions, examine your child and possibly arrange for allergy tests. These are either skin prick tests or blood (RAST) tests. With a diagnosis, you can get trusted information and support on how to manage your child’s allergy by contacting Allergy New Zealand.

Allergy New Zealand – for a free information pack go to www.allergy.org.nz