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There are 14 main allergens which must be declared on food labelling. If your baby or child has one or more allergies it can result in a very restrictive diet and may be difficult to manage, whilst still ensuring they are still having enough energy and nutrients to develop to their full potential. Babies and children can present a reaction in many ways ranging from itchiness, redness to anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis is a serious life threatening allergic reaction which causes swelling, shortness of breath, low blood pressure and even death in some cases. If you feel like you need help and advice for your baby or child's allergy or any feeding trouble please book an assessment.
The 14 main allergens are:
Your baby or child may have an allergy to celery. Celery can be added to foods in various forms such as sticks, leaves, spice and seeds. Foods that may contain these parts of the celery are salts, salads, meat products, soups, sauces and stock cubes so it can be difficult to identify what is causing your baby or child's allergy. Celery allergy is quite rare in the U.K but more common in France, Germany and Switzerland. Celery allergy can cause symptoms of rash, swelling, itching, difficulty breathing, asthma symptoms, abdominal pain and rarely, anaphylaxis.
Gluten is the protein found in wheat, barley and rye which gives foods its elasticity. Gluten can cause a reaction in babies and children with coeliac disease and in rarer cases, gluten intolerance and sensitivity.
Crustaceans include crabs, lobster, prawns and scampi. An allergic reaction to crustaceans can include wheezing, trouble breathing, coughing, throat tightness, stomach ache, vomiting, diarrhea, itchy watery or swollen eyes, swelling and anaphylaxis. If you think your baby or child has an allergy to crustaceans it is important you go to your GP so they can prescribe an ephedrine injection in case they have a very severe reaction.
Egg allergy is common in children but is usually outgrown by school age. To read more please see our page on egg allergy.
A fish allergy is not exactly the same as a seafood or crustacean allergy. A seafood allergy includes both fish and shellfish, whereas fish includes white fish such as fish or cod. Fish allergy can produce very serious reactions, even if the previous one was mild. It is important your baby or child sees your GP if you suspect they have a fish allergy so they can prescribe an ephedrine injection.
Lupin is a flower used in some food products across europe. The seeds are crushed to usually make flour which can then be used in food products so it is important to check the ingredients list of all products you give your baby or child if they have been diagnosed with a lupin allergy. Lupin allergy is quite rare in the U.K, but more common in mainland Europe where more is consumed. Symptoms include a rash or tingling or itchy feeling in the mouth following consumption of lupin. More severe symptoms of swelling, difficulty breathing, asthma or abdominal pain and nausea are less common but can occur.
There are two components of milk which can trigger an intolerance or allergy; the protein which is called cow's milk protein allergy or the sugar lactose which is known as lactose intolerance. It is important to know the difference as they usually present at different ages and the treatment can differ slightly. Our dietitians can assess, diagnose and treat your baby or child if you suspect they are having a reaction to milk. To book an assessment please contact us.
Molluscs include mussels, land snails, squid and whelks and can be used to flavour dishes such as fish stews, noodle soups and oyster sauce. Symptoms of this allergy can range from itching of the lips, mouth or pharynx to swelling, rash and difficulty breathing. Mollusc allergy can produce very serious reactions, even if the previous one was mild. It is important your baby or child sees your GP if you suspect they have a mollusc allergy so they can be prescribed an ephedrine injection.
Mustard is a flavouring or sauce made from the seeds of the yellow Eurasian plant. They are often crushed to make a hot yellow/brown paste known as french, english or dijon mustard, but the seeds can also be added as a flavouring or spice to sauces, breads, curries, marinades, meat products, dressings and soups. Symptoms of mustard allergy are a rash, swelling, itching, nausea and vomiting and in very severe cases difficulty breathing.
There are two different types of nuts; those that grow on trees and those that grow underground, which are called peanuts. Both types of these can be allergenic. Tree nuts include cashew nuts, almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts. Your child may have multiple allergies, including these nuts. If you need help or advice on how to ensure your child is still getting a nutritionally balanced intake with allergies, please contact us.
Peanuts grow underground and are a legume. Peanut allergy is common and babies children rarely grow out of it. If your baby or child has a peanut allergy it's important they see their GP so they can be prescribed an ephedrine injection.
Your baby or child may have been diagnosed with a sesame allergy. Sesame allergy can produce serious anaphylactic reactions therefore it is important their GP prescribes an injection for if they accidentally eat sesames. The sesame seed can be found in bread, bread products, the toppings of hamburgers, humus, oils and tahini. It's important you check the food labelling for this product as it may be added to sauces and chutneys you would not expect. For more help and guidance in relation to your baby or child's sesame allergy please contact us.
Your baby or child may have been diagnosed with a soya allergy or you suspect they may be allergic. There is a large amount of complex protein in soya bean and they can therefore produce a reaction in many children. Unfortunately, soya allergy and cow's milk protein allergy can sometimes be linked or even confused. It is common for babies to be allergic to cow's milk protein and soya protein so it is not advised to give a soya based formula in replacement of cow's milk protein or vise versa if an allergic reaction has been present. We understand that managing your baby or child's allergenic symptoms can be confusing and worrying. If your baby or child is presenting with allergic symptoms, our dietitians can assess, diagnose and treat so they get the help they need. To speak to our team please contact us.
Sulphites are a type of preservative that are used in foods such as dried fruits, seafoods and other meats. Sulphites can produce asthma type reactions, more commonly in those who already have asthma. In babies and children who are allergic they may also produce reactions such as hay fever and wheezing. Anaphylaxis reactions are very rare.
If your baby or child has not been diagnosed with an intolerance or allergy but has symptoms, our dietitians can assess, diagnose and treat them in our Central Manchester/Liverpool clinic or over Skype. It is very important you do not restrict your baby or child's diet due to their allergy or intolerance. It is very possible for your baby or child to have a healthy balanced diet despite their allergy, but we understand you may find it daunting. Our dietitians are there for you and your baby or child every step of the way; assessment, diagnosis, elimination and reintroduction if appropriate. To book an assessment or speak to our team please contact us.
