Food allergies
Food allergies can range from mild to severe. Identifying what your child is allergic to is crucial for avoiding triggers and preventing future reactions.
What is food allergy?
Food allergies are increasingly common, affecting up to 4% of preschool-aged children in the UK. In infants, milk and egg allergies are particularly prevalent, while approximately 1 in 50 school-age children is affected by peanut allergy.
Common food allergens
Children may be allergic to a wide variety of foods. Allergies can range from mild reactions, such as itching or hives, to severe and potentially life-threatening anaphylaxis.
- Eggs
- Milk
- Peanut
- Fish
- Sesame seeds
- Lentils
- Soya
- Wheat
- Stop the Scratching
- Fruits
Managing food allergies
With the right support, children with food allergies can lead full and active lives. Our clinic offers:
- Comprehensive allergy testing, including skin prick and blood tests
- Personalised advice on allergen avoidance and dietary adjustments
- Clinical risk assessments for adrenaline injectors
- Controlled food challenges to safely assess outgrowing allergies
Growing out of food allergies
Many children outgrow food allergies over time, particularly allergies to milk, egg, or soya. Regular allergy check-ups are crucial for monitoring progress and determining whether foods can safely be reintroduced into the diet. Key life transitions, such as moving to a new school, are an excellent time to re-evaluate allergies and ensure appropriate care is in place.
The Importance of accurate diagnosis
A clear diagnosis is essential for managing food allergies effectively. Identifying the allergen and understanding the likelihood and severity of future reactions helps families make informed decisions about food avoidance and emergency planning. For some children, carrying an adrenaline injector (e.g., an EpiPen) may be necessary, and it’s important for families to receive proper training on how and when to use it.
Need advice and can’t get to your GP?
You don’t need a GP referral, contact us directly.
Contact us
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Where to find us
Outpatient Clinic
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Spire Southampton Hospital Chalybeate Close
Hampshire SO16 6UY - Opening Times Mon & Thurs mornings
The Peanut immunotherapy Clinic
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Southampton General Hospital Tremona Road
Hampshire SO16 6YD - Opening Times - Saturday mornings
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Conditions we treat
We provide comprehensive care for a wide range of allergic and immunological conditions
Asthma
Asthma in children can range from persistent coughing to severe attacks. Our clinic can help navigate these concerns with lung function tests, inflammatory gas measurements, and tailored treatment plans.
Find out more
Eczema
We provide testing and practical advice to help manage symptoms, like environmental changes and tailored skincare strategies, to improve your child’s quality of life.
Find out more
Hay fever
Hay fever can impact sleep, concentration, and general well-being. We offer desensitisation immunotherapy, a long-term solution to reduce symptoms by gradually increasing exposure to allergens like pollen.
Find out more
What our clients say
The treatment provided was first class and every single staff member was so helpful and kind to both our daughter and ourselves throughout every stage of the treatment, Our daughter has completed her treatment and is now consuming two M&Ms daily which has completely transformed her life and ours. I only hope more parents avail of this treatment that can completely change a child’s life, I cannot speak highly enough of all the team members at Allergy Healthcare.
Nigel
Communication, knowledge, experience of the team and responsiveness. 10 on all levels for our experience and we now feel our daughter has the tools to navigate her way through life when she leaves our supervision.
Sam
The care and expertise at allergy healthcare was excellent. I cannot recommend them enough. Throughout my daughters treatment they were supportive and encouraging going above and beyond to support us.
Helen
Dr Mich is fantastic! Great with my son and explained everything about his condition in detail. He is extremely knowledgeable and put us all at ease. Highly recommended.
Sophie
Mich, Helen and the team were excellent in my son’s Palforzia journey. They were competent, thorough and considered throughout. Their knowledgable confidence rubbed off on my allergic son and we felt safe and supported. We felt welcome and cared for.
Suzy
Frequently asked questions
Have any questions? Visit our FAQ section for answers to common queries about food allergies.
How can I tell if my child has a food allergy?
Symptoms of food allergies range from mild reactions like rashes and hives to severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing. If you suspect a food allergy, seek professional testing for a clear diagnosis.
Do all children with food allergies need adrenaline injectors?
No, not all food allergies require adrenaline injectors. A clinical risk assessment determines whether an injector is needed and provides training for its use.
Can children outgrow food allergies?
Yes, many children outgrow food allergies, especially those to milk, egg, or soya. Regular check-ups help monitor this progress.
Is it safe to reintroduce foods my child is allergic to?
Reintroduction of allergens should only be done under medical supervision through a food challenge in a controlled setting.
How can I prevent new food allergies in my child?
Introducing allergenic foods like peanuts and eggs early during weaning, as recommended by specialists, may reduce the risk of developing allergies.
How did we do?
We welcome all feedback that helps us to improve our services and provide the highest standards of care and treatment.
