There are many symptoms associated with allergic reactions involving food. You do not need to present with all of these symptoms to be diagnosed with having food allergies. It can be two or more of the symptoms outlined below.

Symptoms of a Non-IgE food allergy

This kind of reaction can take anything from 2 hours to 72 hours before symptoms begin to show. In some people, symptoms appear to be more obvious than others. Either way, some or all of these symptoms are signs of an allergic reaction.

  • Urticaria (redness and itchiness of the skin
  • Frequent sneezing
  • Wheezy breathing (lungs clear when checked)
  • Facial swelling (particularly around the eyes/lips)
  • Eczema
  • Disturbed sleeping pattern
  • Sweating/clamminess
  • Reflux (refers also to silent reflux)
  • Change in stools (diarrhoea or constipation)
  • Explosive nappies
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain/cramps
  • Mucous and/or blood in stools
  • Excessive and inconsolable crying, baby appearing to be very irritable
  • Foul smelling wind and/or foul smelling stools
  • Redness around the anus, rectum and genitals

Symptoms of an IgE Allergy

This type of allergic reaction is more commonly known and recognised. Symptoms include:

  • Tingling or itching of the lips/mouth
  • A raised, itchy red rash
  • Wheezing or shortness of breath
  • Angioedema (swelling of the face/mouth and other areas of the body
  • Difficulty in swallowing
  • Abdominal pain/diarrhoea
  • Feeling sick,nausea or vomiting
  • Feeling dizzy or light headed
  • Sneezing or itchy eyes

Symptoms of Anaphylaxis

All of the above symptoms also apply to an anaphylactic reaction. Additional symptoms include:

  • Severe wheezing and coughing
  • Sudden feeling of fear and anxiety
  • Rapid and raised heartbeat
  • Sharp and sudden drop in blood pressure which can cause light headedness and confusion
  • Unconciousness

An anaphylactic shock is a medical emergency and can be life threatening without immediate medical intervention. If you think you or a person you know is experiencing anaphylaxis, dial emergency services and ask for an ambulance immediately.

If you think there may be a possibility that your child is suffering from food allergies, please contact your health care provider to discuss further.