Signs & Symptons To Look Out For?
Before Starting
Your child must be well when introducing the nuts and seed allergens. If they have a cold, a fever, are vomiting or have any other illness then wait until they are fully recovered.
keep in mind :
- Try to pick testing days In the week as hospitals are quieter (should a visit be need)
- Early in the morning after the child has woken up, (not over a nap time)
- Stay with your baby and observe them for a few hours afterwards.
- A 24 hour break window between testing is imperative for delayed reactions.
- Allergic reactions happen almost immediately to within 30 minutes, after eating food.
- Delayed reactions can happen up to 4 hours later
Should a sudden onset of any of the following symptoms present seek medical advice immediately.
Signs of a food allergy can include 1 or more of the following reactions:
- diarrhoea or vomiting
- a cough
- wheezing and shortness of breath
- difficulty breathing
- itchy throat and tongue
- itchy skin or rash
- swollen lips and throat
- runny or blocked nose
- sore, red and itchy eyes
If your baby has any of the symptoms above within a couple of minutes of trying a new food OR has two or more of the symptoms above, you should seek medical attention immediately. In a few cases, foods can cause a severe allergic food reaction (anaphylaxis) that can be life-threatening. Call 999 and get medical help immediately.
NHS Guidelines Link: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/weaning-and-feeding/food-allergies-in-babies-and-young-children
The British Society for Allergy & Clinical Immunology (BSACI) Guidelines Link: https://www.bsaci.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/pdf_Infant-feeding-and-allergy-prevention-PARENTS-FINAL-booklet.pdf
An important study ( follow link below) showed that severe allergic symptoms in babies under 12 months are extremely rare.
Study Link: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325511604_Food-induced_Anaphylaxis_in_Infants_and_Children