Food Hypersensitivity

By Dr. Uche Okorji-Obike, founder of Tots2Teens Allergies

What Every Parent Needs to Know About Food Allergies and Intolerances

One of the joys of parenting is watching your little one grow and progress through different developmental stages. Among these milestones, introducing solid foods is a particularly exciting time for the whole family. It marks the beginning of your child joining the tradition of shared family meals. For many parents, it’s a thrill to imagine their little one enjoying the same meals as they grow and the weaning process progresses.

As exciting as this stage can be, it’s natural for parents to have questions or feel daunted, especially when introducing foods known to trigger reactions. These reactions fall under the umbrella term "food hypersensitivity." In this article, I will explore food hypersensitivity, its types, common triggers, symptoms, diagnosis, and common mistakes parents make. I’ll also share tips for parents navigating this journey.

What is Food Hypersensitivity?

Food hypersensitivity refers to an abnormal reaction to food and can be classified into two main types:

* Food Allergy
* Food Intolerance

While the terms "food allergy" and "food intolerance" are often used interchangeably, they are distinct. A food allergy involves the immune system reacting to a particular food. These reactions can range from mild to severe. Food intolerance, on the other hand, occurs when the body struggles to digest certain foods and does not involve the immune system.

Common Food Allergies

The most common food allergies include:

* Milk (cow’s milk protein allergy)
* Eggs
* Fish
* Crustacean shellfish
* Peanuts
* Tree nuts
* Wheat
* Soya beans
* Sesame

Emerging allergens, such as peas, are also becoming more common.

Common Food Intolerances

* Lactose intolerance: Where the body cannot digest lactose sugar found in milk and dairy. This is the most prevalent form of food intolerance.
* Gluten: Found in wheat, rye, and barley
* Salicylates: Present in certain fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices
* Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): Found in ripened fruits and cured meats
* Histamine: Found in cheese

Processed foods may also trigger intolerances, including additives like caffeine and sulphites, commonly found in drinks and preserved dried fruits.

Identifying Food Hypersensitivity

Recognising food hypersensitivity can be challenging as symptoms often overlap between allergies and intolerances. Here’s a breakdown of common symptoms:

* Food Allergy Symptoms:
Itchy skin, hives, tummy pain, diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, swelling of the lips, eyes, or face, wheezing, breathlessness, and sneezing.
* Food Intolerance Symptoms:
Bloating, tummy pain, diarrhoea, and excessive gas.

A trained healthcare professional can distinguish between allergies and intolerances, ensuring your child receives the appropriate care.

Diagnosing Food Hypersensitivity

Diagnosis begins with a detailed history and physical examination by a healthcare professional. Depending on the findings, further tests may include:

* For Food Allergies: Skin-prick tests, blood tests, or a special elimination diet.
* For Food Intolerances: Breath tests (for lactose intolerance), blood tests, or an elimination diet.

Post-diagnosis, a multidisciplinary medical team may be required. This could include a paediatric dietitian, allergist, specialist nurse, or other experts to provide tailored support.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Parents often make two key mistakes when dealing with suspected food hypersensitivity:

1. Self-Diagnosis
It’s natural to remove a food item you suspect is causing a reaction, but this may not always be in the child’s best interest. A holistic, patient-centred approach is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management.

2. Relying on Home Test Kits
Allergy test kits can produce false positives or negatives, and interpreting results without professional guidance may harm the child. Trained professionals consider test results alongside medical history and observations for accurate conclusions.

Removing a suspected food allergen without proper diagnosis can deprive a child of essential nutrients. For example, misdiagnosing lactose intolerance as a milk allergy might lead to unnecessary dietary restrictions. In collaboration with a healthcare professional, parents can ensure their child receives all the nutrients needed for growth and development.

Treatment and Management

Treatment options depend on the type and severity of the hypersensitivity. For instance:

* Allergies: Cow’s milk protein or egg allergies may require temporary elimination followed by reintroduction. Peanut allergies may benefit from oral immunotherapy, which can help desensitise children if they are eligible for this treatment.
* Intolerances: Lactose intolerance can be managed with lactose-free alternatives.

It’s important to remember that treatment plans vary for each child and should be guided by a healthcare professional.

Supporting Diagnosis and Management

As a parent, you play a vital role in facilitating your child’s diagnosis and management. Your observations and insights can greatly assist healthcare professionals in identifying triggers and crafting effective treatment plans.

To help parents navigate this journey, I’ve developed the C.L.E.A.R Framework:

1. Communication
Open, clear communication with healthcare professionals is critical for accurate diagnosis and effective management. As parents spend the most time with their children, their observations are invaluable.

2. Logical Approach
Be systematic in documenting and reporting your child’s symptoms and reactions.

3. Evidence
Keep a detailed record of your child’s symptoms, triggers, and dietary changes.

4. Accountability
Follow through on medical advice and ensure consistency in your approach.

5. Resolution
Work collaboratively with healthcare providers to find solutions that support your child’s well-being.

Dr. Okorji-Obike is a mother, scientist, and author specialising in inflammation, the underlying mechanism of allergies. Inspired by her daughter’s experiences with eczema and allergies, she founded Tots2Teens Allergies to support families navigating food hypersensitivity.

Additional Resources

For more information on food allergies, you can find my book, Thrive Allergy Free: Journey to a Life Unlimited by Food Allergies, available on Amazon and in bookstores.

To learn more about the C.L.E.A.R Framework, visit www.tots2teensallergies.com/clearframework. I also offer coaching support for parents navigating food hypersensitivity through my services, which can be explored at www.tots2teensallergies.com/services-4.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. If you suspect your child has a food hypersensitivity, please consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.