Food allergy in children
In a food allergy, the immune system reacts to a food that is actually harmless. In babies and young children, cow's milk is the most common cause. Many allergies disappear by school age, but an allergy does need to be diagnosed properly.
Medically reviewed by Dr Nina Peruško Matasić, pediatrician on
Dr Peruško consults in Dutch, English and Croatian. You are welcome to bring someone who can translate for you.
Which foods most often cause an allergy?
In babies and toddlers, mainly cow's milk. Egg, peanut and tree nuts, soya, wheat, fish, shellfish and some vegetables and fruit are also common.
What symptoms can my child get?
The symptoms can start straight after eating, or only after hours to days:
- itching, hives (nettle rash), a rash or worse eczema
- itching in the mouth or throat, swollen lips or eyelids
- nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or abdominal pain
- in babies: a lot of crying, poor sleep or not gaining enough weight
When should you call 112?
A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) is life-threatening. Call 112 straight away if after eating your child:
- has difficulty breathing, wheezes, becomes hoarse or has difficulty swallowing
- gets a swollen tongue, lips or face
- becomes pale, floppy or drowsy
- has symptoms that are getting worse quickly
If your child has been given an adrenaline pen, use it straight away and then call 112.
How is a food allergy diagnosed?
I ask which symptoms there were, after which food and how quickly. A skin prick test or blood test can help, but these tests can also be wrong: a positive test does not always mean that your child is really allergic. Sometimes we leave out a food for a while and then reintroduce it, under supervision. If in doubt or after a severe reaction, this is done in hospital.
Do not use allergy tests that are offered without a doctor. And do not cut out foods on your own: a child needs a varied diet to grow well.
What if my baby has a cow's milk allergy?
Then we discuss which feeding your baby can have. If you are breastfeeding, you can usually continue. For bottle-fed babies, there is special formula for babies with cow's milk allergy. Goat's milk or soya drink from the supermarket are not a suitable replacement. Most children grow out of their cow's milk allergy.
Does a food allergy go away?
Often it does. Allergies to milk, egg, wheat and soya usually disappear by school age. An allergy to peanut, tree nuts, fish or shellfish more often persists. That is why we follow up your child and test again at the right time.
When should you make an appointment?
If you suspect that your child reacts to a food, if eczema does not get better, or if your baby is not growing well, cries a lot or spits up a lot. I have a special interest in allergy in children. You can book online or by phone.
Sources
Medically reviewed by Dr Nina Peruško Matasić, pediatrician on . This is a translation of the Dutch text. If in doubt, the Dutch version applies.
This page gives general information and does not replace a consultation. For urgent problems: call the practice on 011 12 39 75 (reachable by phone on weekdays during the day) or, in the evening, at night and at the weekend, the GP out-of-hours service on 089 20 10 90. Life-threatening emergency: call 112.
Book an appointment
Consultations by appointment only.