Symptoms to be aware of and how to deal with them

Mild immediate food allergy symptoms

Typically affect children’s skin, respiratory and digestive systems, and can include a flushed face, hives, a red and itchy rash around the mouth, tongue or eyes which can then spread around the body, mild swelling, particularly of the lips, eyes and face, a runny or blocked nose, sneezing and watery eyes, nausea and vomiting, tummy cramps and diarrhoea, and an itchy mouth and throat. “Symptoms generally occur within a few minutes after eating, but can take up to an hour,” says Margaret.

Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

Urgent medical attention is needed for wheezing or chest tightness, and swelling of the tongue and throat. This can restrict the airways, causing noisy breathing, a cough or a change in voice. There may also be a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to shock, with dizziness and confusion and possible collapse, loss of consciousness, and even coma.

Do not delay in getting medical help, give adrenaline if available, call for an ambulance and tell the operator it is anaphylaxis.

Delayed allergy symptoms

Food allergy symptoms don’t always appear immediately. Delayed food allergy effects can range from eczema to reflux, constipation and/or diarrhoea. A child may also be affected by poor growth. Children may raise their knees to the chest because of tummy pain, there may be frequent unexplained distress and crying.

“Delayed food reactions don’t usually cause severe reactions – symptoms generally take several hours to appear,” says Margaret.

If you have any concerns, speak to your doctor. In the event of a severe allergic reaction, always call 999.