Allergies and intolerances

Allergies and intolerances are less common than it is sometimes believed – in fact a true allergy or intolerance is quite rare. If you have any concerns that your baby has an allergy or intolerance it is important that you discuss it with your GP or public health nurse.

Allergies tend to be more severe and involve a reaction from the immune system.

On first exposure to the allergen, there will be no symptoms but the immune system produces antibodies to the substance. Then, the next time the food is eaten, the antibodies respond and cause an allergic reaction. Allergic symptoms can range from mild to extreme and life-threatening – sometimes only a tiny amount is needed to trigger the allergy, that’s why reading food labels becomes very important for anyone with a food allergy.

Signs of an allergy are:

• A skin rash or hives (just like nettle rash)
• Swelling of the throat and mouth
• Wheezing or breathing difficulties
• Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting
• Changes in the heartbeat
• Feeling weak and even loss of consciousness.

A food intolerance causes a less severe reaction, which usually involves the digestive system. Signs of an intolerance are:

• Diarrhoea
• Stomach pain, wind and bloating
• Weight loss or not putting on weight

Intolerance symptoms tend to develop gradually as your child eats more of the trigger food. The most common intolerances include lactose and gluten. Lactose is the sugar in milk and is present in formula and breastmilk. Gluten is present in many foods containing wheat, rye and barley – even stock cubes contain gluten and so does soya sauce – and it is not advised that you introduce gluten to the diet before 6 months of age, to reduce the chances of a gluten intolerance.

If you suspect your child might have an allergy or intolerance, you need to discuss this with your doctor. A family history of allergies may mean that your child is more at risk, so it’s wise to discuss weaning with your healthcare professional.