A Comprehensive Guide
Australia has the highest rate of food allergies in the world, affecting one in ten babies by their first birthday. While the exact cause of this rise remains unknown, ongoing research and treatment trials offer hope for prevention and management.
Previously, parents were advised to avoid allergenic foods. However, recent research has shown that delaying the introduction of these foods can actually increase the risk of developing allergies.
In 2016, Australian Infant Feeding and Allergy Prevention Guidelines were updated to recommend introducing common allergens like eggs, cow's milk, peanuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, and tree nuts as soon as your baby shows signs of readiness for solid foods (around six months, but not before four months).
Start by introducing one allergen at a time, allowing you to identify potential problems easily. If there's no reaction, continue serving the allergen at least twice a week. This helps decrease the likelihood of long-term allergies and severe reactions.
Allergic reactions usually occur within minutes, but can take up to two hours. Mild to moderate reactions include hives, vomiting, or swelling of the lips, face, and eyes. Severe reactions (anaphylaxis) involve difficulty breathing, tongue swelling, wheezing, paleness, and floppiness.
If you notice any signs of a reaction, stop feeding the allergen immediately and seek medical advice. Stay with your child and monitor for anaphylaxis. Discuss antihistamine use with your doctor.
For anaphylaxis, lay your child flat and call triple-zero. If they have an adrenaline injector, use it immediately.
Never rub food on your baby's skin, especially if they have eczema, as this may increase the risk of developing allergies.
Most infant egg allergies and 30% of peanut allergies resolve by age six. Tree nut and seed allergies are usually long-lasting, while some milk and egg allergies can persist and lead to anaphylaxis.
Currently, there is no approved treatment for food allergies in Australia. However, innovative options are available through clinical trials, such as the Egg-Up Trial, which investigates whether gradually introducing egg at home can help resolve egg allergy in infants.
By following updated feeding guidelines, introducing allergens safely, and recognizing allergic reactions, parents can help reduce their child's risk of developing food allergies. Ongoing research and clinical trials offer hope for improved prevention and treatment options in the future.