Special Food Needs
What should I do if my child has an allergic reaction?
If you think your child has had an allergic reaction, then you can either see your GP or go to your local Emergency Department depending on how urgently you feel they should be seen. If your child has had a rash or mild facial swelling not involving the lips or tongue but seems well in themselves, with no breathing difficulties, then it is probably appropriate to see your GP. If the rash is itchy or troublesome a dose of antihistamine such as Piriton may be helpful if you have it at home. Your GP may refer you to a paediatric allergy clinic for severe or especially troublesome allergies.
Any severe allergic reaction that involves wheezing, breathing difficulties or tongue swelling is referred to as an anaphylactic reaction. Anaphylaxis is rare, however it can be life threatening. If you think your child has had an anaphylactic reaction especially with collapse, loss or decreased level of consciousness, breathing difficulties, tongue or facial swelling, do call an ambulance without delay. Do NOT put your child in a car and drive as moving them in a car seat without oxygen may be very dangerous. It is important to try and stay as calm as possible in order to keep your child calm as any narrowing of their airway may worsen if distressed. A child who is finding breathing difficult will usually want to sit up, leaning forwards slightly with their chin slightly sticking out. This is instinctive and is the position that will keep their airway open. If your child is doing this do NOT try and lie them down. If they have any food left in their mouths encourage them to spit it out.
Which foods tend to cause allergic reactions?
Some of the commonest foods we eat are most likely to cause an allergy. The most common is cow’s milk followed by egg, peanut, soy, wheat, tree nuts and fish. More and more children are developing an allergy to sesame seeds so don’t give these until at least 9 months. Some babies can have a reaction to berry, citrus or kiwi fruit but its unlikely to be a true food allergy.
My baby keeps on bringing up her food and seems to be in pain when she eats what can I do?
It’s possible that your baby has reflux. This is when a weak valve at the top of a baby’s stomach allows their feed along with gastric juices to come back up, causing symptoms including vomiting and heartburn.
- You should take your baby to your GP and if she is diagnosed with reflux there are some ways to help her for example
- Hold your baby in an upright position during and about 20 minutes after each feed.
- Raise the head end of your baby’s cot a few inches off the ground this will mean that gravity will help keep the feed down.
- Try giving smaller more frequent feeds so as not to overload your child’s stomach
- In more severe cases you may need to give a pre-thickened formula or some antacid medicine.
For more information on food allergies, please click here
