Allergy Information
What is allergy?
An allergy is when the body’s immune system reacts to something harmless as though it is dangerous. Typical triggers include foods, pollen, mould or animal fur. This reaction can cause milder symptoms like rashes, itching, swelling and sneezing or more serious symptoms .
Food allergy
Around 10% of infants under 12 months of age are affected by food allergy. Food allergy reactions decrease slightly in older children to about 4-8% by the age of four.
Common trigger foods include milk, eggs, soy, wheat, sesame, peanuts and tree nuts. However any food can be a potential trigger. While many children outgrow allergies, (such as allergies to cow’s milk and eggs), others, like nut allergies, are more likely to persist. Managing food allergies involves reading labels carefully, teaching children to avoid certain foods, and ensuring children feel included during meals and social events. With the right precautions and support, children with food allergies can still lead a completely normal life.
The nine common food allergens are milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame.
Examples of tree nuts
Asthma
Childhood asthma is a condition where a child’s airways can become sensitive and make breathing harder, especially due to certain triggers like exercise, colds, or allergies. It affects about one in five children. It may cause coughing, wheezing, or a feeling of tightness in the chest, which can be scary for both children and parents. While asthma cannot be cured, it can be managed so children can lead active, healthy lives. With information and guidance, families can learn to identify triggers, use medications like inhalers when needed, and create a plan to manage symptoms. The aim is to give children the confidence to enjoy their everyday activities.
Eczema
Childhood eczema is a common skin condition that often starts in infancy, causing dry, itchy, and irritated patches of skin. It usually appears on areas like the face, elbows, and knees and can be uncomfortable, sometimes making it hard for children to sleep. While the exact cause isn’t always clear, it’s often linked to family history and can be triggered by things like certain fabrics, soaps, or weather changes. Sometimes allergy can make eczema worse. Many children outgrow eczema as they get older, and it can usually be managed with the correct skin care, keeping the skin well-moisturised, avoiding irritants and using medicated ointments or creams if needed.
FPIES (Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome)
Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) affects 1 in 7000 children.
FPIES is a type of food reaction that mainly affects babies and young children. Unlike typical food allergies, it doesn’t involve immediate symptoms like hives or swelling. Instead, it causes severe vomiting, diarrhoea, and dehydration, usually a few hours after eating a trigger food, such as milk, soy, rice or certain grains. Episodes can be alarming, but FPIES is often outgrown by early childhood, with most children recovering fully by the age of 3-5.
As FPIES is triggered by certain foods, it is important to identify these foods as soon as possible and provide support to children and their families.