In the UK, an estimated 2 million people are living with a diagnosed food allergy. Food allergies can be a daunting thing, especially if you are unsure if your little one has an allergy to food when you start weaning.

Keep on reading to learn more about the different types of allergies, along with signs and symptoms to look out for to hopefully empower you with the knowledge of what to look out for when introducing allergens to your children. 

Immediate Food Allergies

The most common type of allergic reaction to food is known as an IgE-mediated food allergy, and symptoms usually occur within 10 minutes but can be up to 1-2 hours LATER.

Signs and symptoms of immediate food allergies may include:

• Sneezing, a runny or blocked nose

• Red, itchy, watery eyes

• Wheezing and/ or coughing

• Itchy mouth and/ or throat

• A red, itchy rash around mouth, nose, and eyes, which may spread across their body 

• Vomiting and/ or diarrhoea 

• A rash, like hives (nettle rash, welts)

• Swollen lips, eyes, and face

In some cases, this type of food allergy may cause a severe reaction, called anaphylaxis. This is defined as a severe, life-threatening generalised or systemic hypersensitivity reaction. It is an escalation reason that typically develops suddenly and worsens very quickly. Symptoms can involve clammy skin, hives, itchiness, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, facial swelling, breathing difficulties, a feeling of dread, a fast heart rate, feeling faint, and losing consciousness.

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and can be serious if not treated quickly. The NHS website has more information about how to act, and when to call 999 here. 

Delayed Onset Food Allergies

Some food allergies can take longer, up to a day, to show symptoms and are known as delayed onset or non-IgE mediated allergies. The common signs and symptoms you may see, include:

• Reflux

• Colic (when a baby cries a lot without an obvious cause)

• Food refusal

• Diarrhoea and/ or constipation 

• Red and/ or itchy skin, including persisting eczema that is not responding to treatment or worsens/comes back when food allergen is eaten

• Blood and/ or mucus in your child’s poo

• Abdominal pain or discomfort

In more severe cases, persistent exposure to the allergen and inflammation can limit a childs ability to absorb nutrients and increase nutrient losses through stool and result in growth problems. 

please note:

Many of these symptoms can be normal for young children to experience, making it hard to identify allergies. If you think your child has an allergy, either immediate or delayed onset, please talk with your GP about getting a diagnosis and how to manage it best for them.