Allergies in general are getting more common around the world: food allergy affects 8% of children under 3 years and 1.4% of adults.
An allergy is an exaggerated immune response to a substance. There are two sorts of food allergy: immediate (more common), or delayed. The commonest foods causing allergy in the UK are cows milk, hens eggs, cod, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, soy beans, wheat and food additives. The immediate form of food allergy results in swelling and itching of lips, tongue and mouth, wheezing, urticaria (a rash like nettle rash), vomiting and diarrhoea, tummy pain and even anaphylactic shock. The delayed form of food allergy causes vomiting and diarrhoea, tummy ache and skin rashes like eczema.
Keeping a detailed diary of food exposure and symptoms can help you and your doctor pin down the likely problem
Allergy testing is done on a blood sample, taken from a vein. It is very accurate and entirely safe. The cost of these tests depends on how many substances are tested. This is why a detailed diary can help reduce the need for too many tests.
Most children outgrow their allergies: 85% do so before starting school. Some adults can overcome an allergy after two years of excluding the substance from their diet but this should only be considered with the help and support of a nutritionist.
If you would like to book an appointment to discuss your concerns please telephone us on 01245 234134 for further details.
Monday – Friday between 8am and 5pm.
Dr Anne Squire MBChB MRCGPDr • Sibel B Peck MBBS MRCGPDr • Judith Pluck MBBS MRPharmS MRCGP
