Food allergies in Australian children- what you need to know
Medically Reviewed by Dr Ali Zavery
Last updated on 11.06.2024
Food allergies are on the rise in Australia, affecting 5-10% of children. Understanding allergies, recognising the symptoms, and knowing how to respond can help parents to feel less stressed about their child’s condition, and manage the risks more effectively.
Common allergens
There are over 170 known food triggers for allergies. The most frequent triggers of food allergies in children include:
- Eggs
- Cow’s milk
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts (such as almonds and cashews)
- Sesame
- Soy
- Wheat
- Fish and shellfish
These allergens account for the majority of allergic reactions in children, with peanuts, tree nuts, and seafood often resulting in lifelong allergies. Many children outgrow allergies to dairy products and eggs.
Symptoms to watch for
Food allergy symptoms can vary widely but typically include:
- Mild to moderate reactions: Hives, minor swelling, and itching or tingling around the mouth, digestive issues, such as stomach pain and vomiting. Small children may become floppy and/or pale.
- Severe reactions: Anaphylaxis may involve difficulty breathing, cough, hoarseness, tightness in the throat, tongue swelling, dizziness, a sudden drop in blood pressure and collapse.
How should parents approach exposure to allergenic foods?
Introducing allergenic foods early, around six months of age BUT not before four months, may prevent the development of food allergies. It’s important to introduce allergenic foods like peanut butter or cooked egg gradually and continue to include them regularly if no adverse reactions occur.
In the past, some people thought it might be better to hold off on allergenic foods even longer- till after 12 months of age- but this is not a recommended approach, as it may actually increase the risk of developing allergies. Parents are advised NOT to avoid exposing their kids to potentially allergenic foods between 6 and 12 months of age, unless there is already known evidence of an allergy.
Diagnosis and management
Diagnosing food allergies can involve skin prick tests, specific IgE antibody blood tests, and sometimes food challenges under medical supervision.
Management strategies for diagnosed allergies include carefully avoiding known allergens, and having an emergency action plan, which should include access to an adrenaline auto-injector for treating severe reactions. A GP who specialises in allergy management, or a paediatrician can assist with proper diagnosis and treatment.
It is important to note that “adverse reactions” to foods can occur, and can often be mistaken for food allergies. Adverse reactions have numerous different causes, including food intolerances, toxic reactions, food poisoning, enzyme deficiencies, food aversion or irritation from skin contact with certain foods. Adverse reactions do not lead to anaphylaxis, but investigation may be needed to clarify what exactly is going on.
Living with food allergies
Living with food allergies involves more than just avoiding allergens. It requires educating those around the child—teachers, family members, and caregivers—about the allergies and how to respond in an emergency. This includes understanding how to use an adrenaline auto-injector and recognizing the signs of an allergic reaction.
Special care should be taken when travelling, particularly checking out the policies of airlines regarding food served on board. Carry your auto-injector and keep it with you (don’t stow it in overhead bins when flying).
While food allergies in children can be daunting, with the right knowledge and tools, they are manageable. By educating themselves and others, parents can create a safer environment that keeps their children safe and allows them to thrive, despite their allergies.
Resources and support
Several helpful resources are available to help families manage food allergies:
- Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia (Allergy Facts): Provides education, support, and resources for allergy management.
- The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy (Allergy.org.au): Offers up-to-date information and guidelines for managing allergies.
- Travelling with allergies – Allergy Facts
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