Food Allergies in Children

What is a Food Allergy?

Food allergies affect 6-8% of young children in the UK, making food avoidance stressful for families. An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system mistakenly treats a food as harmful, causing symptoms ranging from mild rashes to severe anaphylaxis.

Common Food Allergens

The most common allergens include:

• Milk
• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Tree Nuts
• Shellfish
• Fish
• Wheat
• Soy

Proper diagnosis prevents unnecessary food restrictions while ensuring safety from real allergens.

Signs and Symptoms

Food allergy symptoms can appear within minutes to hours after eating an allergen. They range from mild to severe and may worsen with repeated exposure. Watch for:

• Skin reactions – Hives, redness, eczema, or itching.
• Digestive issues – Vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea, or stomach pain.
• Respiratory problems – Wheezing, coughing, nasal congestion, or difficulty breathing.
• Swelling – Lips, tongue, or face swelling, which can be dangerous.
• Severe reaction (Anaphylaxis) – Breathing difficulty, dizziness, or a drop in blood pressure (medical emergency).

If your child shows any of these signs, consult a paediatric allergy specialist promptly.

Diagnosing Food Allergies

Accurate diagnosis prevents unnecessary food restrictions and ensures safe management. At NMC Royal Hospital, Dubai, we use:

• Skin Prick Testing (SPT) – Identifies allergic triggers quickly.
• Oral Food Challenges – The most reliable test, done under strict medical supervision.
• Blood Tests (IgE Testing) – Confirms allergies by measuring immune response.

A proper diagnosis allows us to develop a safe and effective allergy management plan.

Managing Food Allergies

While food allergies cannot be cured, they can be managed to prevent severe reactions. We offer:

• Personalised Allergy Action Plans – Food avoidance strategies and emergency response guidance.
• Anaphylaxis Management – Training on using adrenaline auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPen).
• Allergy Desensitisation (Oral Immunotherapy) – A treatment option to help build tolerance to allergens.

Early intervention and expert care significantly improve your child’s safety and quality of life.

Why Choose Dr Mahesh Katre in Dubai?

Choosing the right paediatric allergy specialist is crucial. Here’s why families trust me:

• UK-Trained Expertise – Certified paediatric allergy specialist with world-class UK training, bringing this expertise to Dubai.
• Specialist in Food & Drug Allergies – Expertise in food allergies, anaphylaxis, and desensitisation treatments.
• Personalised Care – Prevents unnecessary food restrictions while ensuring safety.
• Advanced Testing & Treatment – Skin prick tests, oral food challenges, and immunotherapy at NMC Royal Hospital, Dubai.
• Trusted by Families in the UAE – Founder of Paediatric Allergy Services, supporting families with expert care.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How is a food allergy different from food intolerance?

A food allergy triggers an immune response and can be severe, while a food intolerance (e.g., lactose intolerance) affects digestion but is not life-threatening.

2. Can food allergies develop suddenly?

Yes, allergies can appear at any age, even if the food was previously tolerated. Some reactions may worsen over time.

3. How can I prepare my child for living with a food allergy?

Teach them to identify unsafe foods, read labels, and inform caregivers about their allergy. Always carry an EpiPen if prescribed by a doctor and an allergy action plan.

📍 Have more questions? Book an appointment with Dr Mahesh Katre at NMC Royal Hospital, Dubai today.