Back to school with food allergies: how can you prepare?

16th August 2023

Back to school with food allergies: how can you prepare?

It’s a scary time in any parent’s life: when your child goes off to school. Whether they’re just starting primary or are moving up to secondary school, you can’t help but feel this anxiety. Will they be okay? Will they do well? And will they make friends? All completely understandable concerns.

But if your child has an allergy, that’s a whole new level of stress. Not only are you worrying about the above, but now you have to face the prospect of letting your child head into an environment you can’t control. It’s something you can’t avoid. There is a silver lining, though. You can be proactive. Here’s our advice for managing your child’s allergies as they head back to school.

Talk to the school ahead of time

Your best first move is to let the school know that your child has an allergy. Yes, even if they’ve been going there for a few years already, it’s still best to check in every September. The school will have a duty of care to look after your child. The Children and Families Act 2014 makes it a legal requirement for them to make arrangements for pupils with medical conditions – and that includes allergies.

Talking to them allows you to get on the same page. What are your concerns? How do they address them? Ask about their allergy policy and what their response is to an allergic reaction. This conversation may also involve school nurses and catering staff, especially if your child has a food allergy.

Talk to your child

Depending on their age, there’s a good chance your child already knows how to handle their allergy – at least partly. They’re going to have to be responsible for themselves, so the more you can equip them with knowledge, the better.

For younger kids, it’s about making sure they know which foods (or other allergens) make them sick and to avoid them. No trading snacks or accepting food they don’t know. It’s also important you explain why – you don’t have to go into all the worst details, but they should know that “X food = sick”.

Older kids are more likely to be aware of their allergies, but they’re also at that age where identity is important to them. What teenagers want is to feel in control of their lives, especially when they have an allergy that holds them back. So work with them to come up with a plan. Give them some control in how they manage their condition.

What happens to their adrenaline auto-injector (AAI)?

Each school will have its own policy in how it handles any AAI. In fact, they should have a tailored allergy plan for each child with the condition. And that will involve the question of what to do with AAIs.

There are two concerns for you here: location and staff training. Where are the AAIs stored? And how long will it take for them to reach your child in an emergency? Anything longer than 5 minutes is a no go, so make sure it’s closer than that. Older kids may be allowed to carry their own on their person. 

In regards to staff training, you’ll want to know who is capable of administering the AAI in case of an attack. If the school doesn’t have someone, make sure they work on getting a teacher or member of staff qualified before term starts.

Controlling food

It’s hard to talk about allergies without specifically mentioning food allergies. They’re common and can lead to some of the most fatal reactions. This is why you want to talk to the catering staff at the school. They should be required to make reasonable adjustments for certain pupils, so ask what their policy on food allergens is. How do they mitigate risk?

If their answers don’t fill you with confidence, consider packed lunches. It’s much easier to control. Talk to the school about potentially setting up a lunch buddy system so your child can eat at a table with students that have allergy-safe food.

Will this remove your anxiety? Likely not – nothing ever will. But will it at least make you feel more prepared? Absolutely. These are proactive steps you can take to make sure your child is as safe as can be. It’s a difficult time, but one you can get through together.

If you need more advice and strategies for managing your child’s allergies, get in touch with our experts today. You can register as a new patient or simply call us on 02031 433 449.

How to talk to your child about their allergies

1st February 2023

How to talk to your child about their allergies

We spend a lot of time in our blog talking about how you, as a parent, can navigate the challenges of your child’s allergies. Whether it’s answering your burning questions, talking about allergies in infants, or just general food allergy tips, we have you covered. But we never cover how to talk to your child about their allergies.

And it’s important to do. You can’t be around them 24/7 and they deserve to know how to manage their condition. So let’s bring them into the conversation. We’ve got some advice for how you can talk to your child about their allergies.

Start simple (and young)

You don’t want to throw everything at them at once. They could potentially be dealing with something deadly, and that’s a lot to put on their shoulders. So you want to start simple when they’re younger and introduce terms and elements that will become more apparent in the future.

For example, you might want to start by talking about their symptoms in a way they can understand. Maybe certain food makes their tummy hurt, or they get itchy eyes in summer. Identify their biggest gripes and explain why they happen. Keep language simple by saying something like “some foods aren’t safe for you” or that “flowers can sometimes make people sneeze”.

What you’re doing is drawing a link between how they feel and the world around them. And you want to clarify that these things aren’t nice (for them) and that we have to be careful around them. “We” is also important here. It lets them know this is a journey for the both of you.

Get them involved

As they start to get older and are heading out into the world on their own more, you want them to be fully aware of their allergies. This is a great time to get them involved. If they’re allergic to peanuts, it’s all well and good telling them that. But they need to know how those will present themselves in their lives.

So involve them in everything you do to keep them safe. Take them shopping and point out foods they can and can’t have. Tell them why they shouldn’t have them. But don’t make it sound scary. Treat it as an educational experience that empowers them to live free of danger.

Another great idea if they have a food allergy is to involve them in cooking. This is another way to make their allergies seem less scary – they get to see how simple it can be to stay safe. If not food, then at least show them any medication they might come across. It’s better if they’re prepared for a future EpiPen use.

Teach them how to talk about their allergy

Another aspect of them heading out on their own is that they will have to learn to rely on others when they need the help. Sure, you can tell their teachers or childminders about their condition. But the child themselves will need to know who to go to and how to express their needs.

It’s another aspect of helping them navigate the world. They need to know how to say no to certain foods, telling others about the impact of their allergy, and who’s in charge should an emergency happen. If you empower them to take charge of their allergy like this, you can be more confident in their safety. You can put at least a little trust in them!

None of this is easy to grapple with as a parent. And we completely understand that feeling of sheer trepidation at having to let them take care of themselves. But we have to let them do it. By preparing them and teaching them to own their allergies, you can give them the greatest chance of living happy and free. Like a child should be.

Going it alone is tough. So if you ever need advice – or even just someone to talk to – get in touch with us today. Our allergy specialists have worked with parents just like you to create a better life for your child. Call us on 02031 433 449 or register your child as a patient here.

Does your child have an allergy? Here are your burning questions answered

4th January 2023

Does your child have an allergy? Here are your burning questions answered

Being a parent is already difficult enough. You’re probably already well aware of the trials and tribulations of raising a small human. They can be naughty. They get sad. And sometimes you look back fondly on the days when you had so much more time and freedom. But would you change that for the world? Of course not.

Raising your child or children is a privilege – one that can, unfortunately, come with some challenges. Such as food allergies. It adds another complication onto an already tough task. And we understand why that can cause plenty of anxiety for you. If you’re new to the world of allergies and don’t know what to do, let us help. Here are some common allergy questions parents have.

Why does your child have an allergy?

We’ll start with one of the more obvious ones. Why do they have an allergy? Where did it even come from? We’re sorry to say that this doesn’t have a simple answer. Whether they’re reacting to a specific food, something in their environment, or an animal, there’s no one explanation for it.

It can be something in their genetics, a response to their environment, their gut biome, or just plain old bad luck. The “where” doesn’t matter. What does is how you respond to it.

Will they have an allergy forever?

The good part is not every child has their allergies forever. Depending on what they’re allergic to, up to 80% of children can outgrow their condition. Note that this differs from allergy to allergy. The 80% is for milk and egg allergies. For something like peanuts, it’s more like 20%. And shellfish is more like only 5%.

It’s something you will have to monitor. Can you influence the likelihood of them growing out of it? While some theorise that exposure to an allergen early on can help, this is still dangerous to do. If your child has an allergy, talk to a doctor about it for your next steps.

How do I get others to take it seriously?

This is especially concerning for parents of children with food allergies. Ingestion of food they’re allergic to can lead to anaphylaxis, which is potentially fatal. This is incredibly scary, and completely understandable to want everyone else to take it seriously.

The good news is that we’re making strides in people’s perceptions of allergies. With the passing of legislation such as Natasha’s Law, things are getting better. But to combat this in your own life, the best option is to sit down and have an honest conversation. Let people in your life know what an allergy can lead to for your child, and how it will affect them. Be firm, make no compromises, and lay out a plan for how your child should be treated.

What about at school?

At school, this gets harder. They’re out of your hands for around 6 hours of the day, and you can’t change that environment. Again, be open with the school staff and talk to them about their allergy-related rules.

Your child won’t be the only one with an allergy. So, with any sense, the school should already have steps in place. Find out what these are, talk about how they will handle your child, and don’t rest until you feel as comfortable as you need to be.

Do you have any resources?

We’ve been writing articles for our blog for many years. So we’ve built up quite a collection of information you might find helpful. Here are some other blogs on the topic of child food allergies:

• Tips for parents of children with food allergies
• How to know if a restaurant takes food allergies seriously
• Tips for travelling abroad with food allergies
• Food allergies on Halloween and how to avoid them
• Sending your child with food allergies to school

If you still have questions after that, talk to an allergy specialist. They’ll be more than happy to put your mind at ease and give you the advice you need.

Talk to our team at Allergy Clinic London if you ever have any concerns. Our experts know what you’re going through and can offer the support you need at a time like this. To find out more, reach out to us on 02031 433 449.

Everything new parents need to know about allergies in babies

2nd February 2022

Everything new parents need to know about allergies in babies

Being a new parent is sure to bring about a million new questions. You suddenly have a baby to look after and figuring everything out is, frankly, overwhelming. And one area that many parents worry about is allergies – especially food ones.

Around 5% of children under the age of 5 have a food allergy. So the odds of your child having one isn’t out of the question. But what do you do? How do you even know? We know you’ll have burning questions just like these, so let’s jump into an FAQ about allergies in babies.

What causes food allergies in babies?

No one really knows why our bodies suddenly decide to be allergic to something. This means it’s hard to really explain what causes them. What we do know is that babies usually have to be exposed to the food first. For example, they might eat it once and be okay, but react the second time.

NHS advice is to introduce potentially allergen-risky food solely and in small amounts. This allows you to see if there’s any reaction without harming them.

What are the most common food allergies?

There are about nine common categories of food allergies. These are the most common ones you’ll come across:

• Milk
• Eggs
• Wheat (or other foods with gluten)
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Sesame (and other seeds)
• Soy
• Fish
• Shellfish

How can you tell if a baby has a food allergy?

There are some common symptoms you might want to look out for. Food allergies usually happen within a few minutes of ingesting them. Some telltale signs include:

• Sneezing
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Coughing or trouble breathing
• Red rashes
• Worsening of asthma or eczema symptoms
• Anaphylaxis

You can tell when an anaphylactic shock occurs because the baby will have trouble breathing, may lose consciousness, and have a weakened pulse. This is a less likely symptom, but one that can be fatal.

What to do if they’re allergic?

The best advice is talk to your GP/your baby’s doctor and see what they recommend. They might go the route of a specific diet or advise you to stay away from certain foods. They should also be able to help you adjust to these new restrictions.

How do you keep your baby safe?

Follow any advice given to you by your baby’s doctor. At home, you’ll want to remove any food that contains something they’re allergic to. Check ingredients thoroughly as many of them can be in food without you realising.

We have plenty of blogs you can read as well. These will give you some more advice on how to adapt your lifestyle. We have some tips on what you can do, four facts worth knowing, and some advice worth having.

Other than that, maybe consider finding an allergy specialist to help. They’ll be specifically tuned into how best to handle any lifestyle changes. And they’ll more keenly understand your concerns and the appropriate treatment.

If you need an allergy specialist, whether it be for you or your child, get in touch with us. Our experts are always happy to help a parent in need. Register as a new patient here or call us on 02031 433 449.

The top three tips for being a better allergy ally

29th December 2021

The top three tips for being a better allergy ally

We often talk about what it’s like to live with allergies. Steps to take, advice to follow, and a supportive voice to help people with their condition. But what if you don’t have an allergy and just want to know how to help those who do.

That’s exactly what today’s blog is about: how to be a better allergy ally. You might have a child, family member, friend, or colleague who you want to help out. Or maybe you just want to be a more conscientious person. Whatever your reason, here are some tips on how to support someone living with an allergy.

Ask them questions

Step 1 – find out everything about their allergy. Believe us, they’ll thank you for it. Just showing a willingness to learn about their condition will go a long way. Try to ask them not just what they’re allergic to, but how it affects their life and how it makes them feel.

For example, let’s say they’re allergic to peanuts. It’s the most common food allergy in children and the second-most common in adults. Ask them what it’s like when they go out for a meal. Or if they ever have to avoid certain situations. Or a specific time where they were really anxious about their allergy. It’ll open your eyes to how difficult living with an allergy can be.

Learn how to treat their allergies

Being a good allergy ally means having their back at all times. For some severe allergies, sufferers have to make sure they have access to certain medications. Something like an inhaler or EpiPen.

It might be worth learning all about these tools just in case you need to jump into action. Make sure you know where to find them. At home, do they keep them in a certain cupboard? Do they keep them in their purse while out and about? If you know where they are, you can retrieve them for the person in dire situations. For something like an EpiPen, knowing how to administer one could save their life.

Get used to saving labels

This tip is mainly for food allergies. If you’re ever cooking for someone with a food allergy, make it a habit of saving the labels with any ingredients on. Even better, send a picture of them to the person ahead of time. This lets them know what is and isn’t safe for them to eat.

Over time, you should get a good sense of what they can eat, meaning you can tailor any meals to their preferences. Plus, it shows you’re willing to go that extra mile for them, which they’ll be overwhelmingly grateful for.

And that’s the reason to do any of these tips. So many allergy sufferers are used to going it alone and having to change themselves to fit the world. But by following this advice, you help them feel comfortable without them having to tie themselves into knots. If you’re looking for a New Year’s resolution for 2022, maybe being a better allergy ally could be it?

If you, a family member, or a friend are ever looking for advice about any potential allergies, get in touch with one of our experts. We’re more than happy to discuss your needs and give you the support you need. Reach out to our allergy experts today on 02031 433 449.

Four facts you should know about allergies in children

3rd March 2021

Four facts you should know about allergies in children 

With allergies on the rise, plenty of new parents will worry about their children. And there will always be a small subsection that tells you not to worry, it’s all overblown. People believe that because children can potentially outgrow allergies and because not all allergies are deadly, there’s no real cause for concern. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. 

Allergies can seriously impact people’s lives and can even create lasting damage if untreated. Here are four facts about allergies in children that you should know.

Allergies are on the rise

Allergies are becoming more common. Children are more likely than ever to develop food allergies. Allergies being so common might be part of why people believe concerns are overblown, but there’s no reason to suggest this makes allergies less dangerous. 

In fact, one in four with a food allergy, even a mild one, will experience a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening.

You don’t always grow out of them

While it’s possible to outgrow allergies, it’s not always the case. Teenagers needing hospital treatment for their allergies went up 65% over 5 years. This statistic highlights the tragic effects allergies can have on young people and why allergies need to be taken seriously.

Allergies can affect children’s quality of life

One study showed that children with hay fever symptoms received lower grades than their peers. Allergies can also affect children’s mental health. Children with food allergies may avoid socialising or food in the future to avoid feeling left out. Allergies can also affect physical health by making asthma and eczema worse.

Allergies can be life-threatening

In severe allergy cases, anaphylaxis can occur. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction. It’s characterised by the tightening of the throat, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, and other terrifying symptoms. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and can be fatal if left untreated.

If you think your child has an allergy, don’t just shrug it off. Allergies can greatly impact your life, worsening existing conditions, affecting mental health, and can also be life-threatening. Allergies need to be addressed to ensure your child has the most comfortable time possible.

If you think your child has an allergy, book them in for a test. Register as a new patient here and book online today or call London Allergy and Immunology Centre 02031 433 449.

Can you prevent allergies in your newborn baby?

22nd July 2020

Can you prevent allergies in your newborn baby?

Being the parent of a newborn baby can be a stressful time. Wrapped up in that bundle of joy is the worry about their health. One thing in particular that has gripped parents is the fear of a deadly food allergy or anything else they might be allergic to.

And it’s no surprise; it’s believed that 1 in 4 people in the UK have an allergy at some point in their lives. This is part of a wider trend of more and more people being diagnosed with allergies. It’s estimated that food allergy cases have risen by 50% in the past decade. But is there any way to prevent allergies in your newborn baby?

The mother’s diet

Some advice that you might see thrown about is to restrict what you eat while you’re pregnant. You would stop eating food that your child could be allergic to, such as peanuts, eggs, or dairy. This advice is false. There is no strong evidence that restricting what you eat will help your baby avoid allergies. This goes for after the birth when you’re breastfeeding – eat away!

Breastfeeding

Speaking of which, you should breastfeed your baby if you can, for at least the first six or so months, if not well beyond that. It isn’t likely to cause an allergic reaction in your infant and has great benefits to their immune system. It also has benefits for the mother and is a great way to build a strong bond with your new child. As for how it affects allergies, it’s not big enough to cause concern; you can’t pass your allergy down through the milk.

Introducing new foods

The right time to introduce solid foods to your child is at about six months old. If they can support their head, they should be fine with new foods. They shouldn’t be completely solid; try mushed-up food, pastes, or other popular baby food. Some say you shouldn’t introduce likely allergy triggers such as peanuts, eggs, or dairy, but research actually shows the opposite.

It recommends giving them to your child when they’re used to more solid food, trying one at a time. Delaying feeding them to your baby might actually increase the likelihood of them developing an allergy.

Asthma

It’s not a food allergy but is a common ailment in children, affecting 1 in 11 kids. To give your child the best chances of avoiding it, you should keep asthma triggers away from them if you can. This might mean taking the carpet out of their bedroom and using wooden or wood-effect floors to remove dust mites. Regularly wash their bedding and pillows (at least once a week). And this one goes without saying – don’t smoke around them.

If you’re scared about your child’s health, don’t be. By being sensible, you can make sure your baby has a normal life. If you ever have any allergy concerns, get in touch with your doctor for their expert advice. Just give your child the best life and if they do ever develop allergies, you can follow the advice in some of our other blogs.

Your child can still live a normal life with an allergy. If you want to talk to an allergy specialist, reach out to us on 02031 433 449.

Dummies and allergies: what’s the link?

3rd December 2018

Dummies and allergies: what’s the link?

As a parent, you’re probably already keenly aware of germs and dirt coming into contact with your child. In our clean-conscious culture, we want to ensure our children don’t contract anything potentially harmful.

Picture the scenario: your little angel is in a devilish mood. After the toys and the drink the,y resort to throwing their dummy on the floor. You go to pick it up, and you do one of two things. You clean it under the tap or with a wipe, or you stick it in your mouth.

If that second option sounds wrong or unhealthy, you might want to think again. Some studies suggest that this might be one way to reduce the risk of allergies later in your child’s life.

Research

A study of 128 women recorded preferred methods of cleaning dummies. Allergist Dr Eliane Abou-Jaoude, MD, ACAAI member, was a lead author on the study conducted by Henry Ford Health System in Detroit. Only 12% of those mums reportedly cleaned it with their own mouths. Interestingly, the study found that these children had lower levels of IgE.

IgE is an antibody in the body that is responsible for allergic responses. Higher IgE means that your child is more likely to develop allergies and conditions such as asthma. Of the 41% who sterilised the dummies and the 72% who used soap and water to clean them, it was found to have a negligible effect on the IgE levels in their children.

How does it work?

One explanation for this is that by not thoroughly cleaning the dummy, microorganisms that help with the development of the immune system remain, which in turns helps to protect against allergies later in life.

However, we recommend taking this study with a pinch of salt as far more research is required. You should still clean any dummies thoroughly if it has come into contact with bacteria or dirt. There are no adverse effects if you do, whereas the same can’t necessarily be said for cleaning it in your own mouth.

Allergies are a serious health problem, and whether or not we are one day able to lower IgE levels, allergy tests are critical. Food allergies alone affect 3-6% of children in the UK.

We highly recommend allergy tests as early on as possible to avoid symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and swelling of the mouth. In serious cases, there is also a risk of anaphylaxis. It’s critical to have your child tested for allergies if yourself or other family members have allergies or a condition such as eczema or asthma as this is a sign that your child is more likely to have it too.

At the London Allergy & Immunology Centre, we can help to identify allergy triggers your child might suffer from. Contact us today to find out how we can help you and your child. If you want to read more about the study mentioned in this blog, please click here.

Does breastfeeding prevent allergies in babies?

14th May 2018

Does breastfeeding prevent allergies in babies?

When it comes to choosing to breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby, the choice often comes down to what is best for your baby. Every mother wants what is best for their children and each method has its benefits. Those who choose to go down the natural route of breastfeeding might do so due to the amazing benefits it can bring to your child’s health. This is unsurprising as breast milk is the result of thousands of years of evolution. It is specifically designed to create healthy offspring.

You can link breast milk to higher IQ scores in later childhood, a lower chance of obesity, a lower risk of diabetes and some cancers, as well as being the perfect way to bond with your baby. Breast milk also provides your baby with essential antibodies that help build up their immune system. This is why some studies claim breastfeeding lowers your child’s risk of asthma and other allergies. But is this true?

Should you do it?

The rate of growth in people with allergies over the past few decades is astonishing.  Only a generation ago, you may have been hard-pressed to find a child in the class with a food allergy. Now, as much as 40% of children suffer from allergies in the UK.  The reasons for this sharp increase in allergies vary. No one knows for sure why it is happening. But, theories include a lack of exposure to allergens, increased exposure to allergens, changes in diet, or living in environments that are too clean.

Some studies suggest that a lack of breastfeeding results in increased risk of allergies. They argue formula doesn’t provide the same benefits to the immune system as breast milk. Paediatricians from the American Academy of Pediatrics claim that exclusive breastfeeding for at least four months helps protect children at high-risk against milk allergies and eczema. This is in comparison to children who were formula or partially breastfed. Other studies suggest that breastfeeding reduces the occurrence of allergies in children. It is argued to be most effective when the mother ate eggs, peanuts, and shellfish during pregnancy. These findings relate to the theory that exposure to allergens early on can reduce sensitivity to them. This could prevent allergies.

On the other hand

But, evidence also exists to suggest that there is no link between breastfeeding and allergy prevention in children. A Swedish study found that adults who were breastfed had a higher risk of developing hay fever and eczema. Other studies found no significant difference in allergies between breast and bottle-fed children. What this tells us is the evidence to support the idea that breastfeeding prevents allergies is weak at best. Studies supporting breastfeeding for allergy prevention do not show a causal link between the two things, only that they are related. This means that any links found could be due to other factors.

For example, some studies found a link between class and allergies. Higher class individuals had an increased risk of hay fever but a lower risk of asthma. The varying results from studies on the causes and prevention of allergies show a need for further research. From the evidence, we cannot say breastfeeding definitely reduces the risk of allergies. So, when it comes to deciding whether to breastfeed or bottle-feed, weigh up the evidence but, like with vaccines, don’t let the fear of allergies stand in the way of your decision.

If you’re worried that your child has an allergy, book an appointment with one of our consultants today. Our consultants will provide their expert option we have a choice of more than 400 allergy tests in the clinic as well as screening test for 112 allergens; allowing you to take the next steps in reducing your little one’s symptoms.