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Eating Cereal

Food allergy in children

Assessment and management by a paediatric allergist in London

Food allergy is an immune system reaction to specific foods. It can cause symptoms ranging from mild skin reactions to more serious systemic reactions.

Food allergies are most common in infancy and early childhood. Accurate diagnosis is essential. Over-diagnosis can lead to unnecessary dietary restriction, while under-diagnosis can increase the risk of severe reactions.

At the London Allergy Clinic, children are assessed by Dr Emily Derrick, Consultant Paediatrician with expertise in allergy. We provide comprehensive, evidence-based food allergy assessment in a calm, child-focused setting.
Food Photography

What is a food allergy?

A food allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly identifies a food protein as harmful and triggers a reaction.

This is different from food intolerance.
Food intolerance does not involve the immune system and usually is associated with less severe symptoms than allergy. 

Common food allergens in children include:
 
  • Cow’s milk ​
  • Egg
  • Peanut
  • Tree nuts
  • Wheat
  • Soya
  • Fish
  • Shellfish

Some common symptoms of food allergy in children

Symptoms are usually quick-onset after consuming the allergenic food

Skin symptoms

(Hives, itching, swelling)

Gastrointestinal symptoms
(vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea)

Respiratory symptoms
(cough, wheeze, breathing difficulties)

More severe symptoms may include tongue or throat swelling and anaphylaxis.

Food allergy and eczema
 

Children with eczema are at higher risk of developing food allergies, particularly in infancy.
 
If your child has moderate to severe eczema that is difficult to control, an allergy assessment may be appropriate.
 
👉 You may also find our page on Paediatric Eczema helpful
A doctor telling patients how to use an asthma inhaler

Food allergy and asthma

Children with both food allergy and asthma may be at increased risk of more severe allergic reactions.

Good asthma control is important in children with food allergies.

👉 You may also find our page on Paediatric Asthma helpful
Prescription

When should a child be assessed for food allergy?

Assessment is appropriate if:
 
  • Symptoms occur consistently after eating a specific food
  • There has been a suspected allergic reaction
  • There is unexplained urticaria after meals
  • There is suspected peanut, nut, egg or milk allergy
  • A child has had a previous allergic reaction and needs ongoing management
  • There is moderate to severe eczema with possible food triggers

Testing may not be recommended for vague, non-specific symptoms without a clear history.

Accurate history is an important part of diagnosis.

How is food allergy diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on:
  • Detailed clinical history
  • Timing and pattern of symptoms
  • Examination
  • Targeted allergy testing

Skin prick testing

Skin prick testing can help confirm suspected IgE-mediated allergy when guided by a clear clinical history.
 
👉 You can read more about our testing approach here:
Skin Prick Allergy Testing

Testing should always be interpreted in clinical context.
Positive tests alone do not confirm clinical allergy.
What we do not offer
​
  1. Food intolerance testing
  2. IgG food panel testing
  3. Vega testing
  4. Hair analysis testing
These methods are not recommended by the NHS or allergy specialists for diagnosing food allergy.
 
Our approach follows UK national guidelines and BSACI recommendations. 
Children Eating Pasta

What we offer at the London Allergy Clinic

Dr Emily Derrick provides:
  • Comprehensive 60-minute paediatric allergy consultations
  • Detailed diagnostic assessment
  • Targeted, evidence-based testing
  • Individualised management plans
  • Prescriptions where appropriate
  • Clear written advice for parents and schools
     
This service is suitable for:
  • Suspected IgE-mediated food allergy
  • Previous allergic reactions requiring clarification
  • Children with eczema and suspected food triggers
  • Parents seeking specialist paediatric allergy advice

Speak to our expert team today to discuss symptoms and the right testing approach for your child.  Our expert clinicians will help to guide you through the testing and diagnosis of your child's allergy and provide the advice needed to live a healthy life with peace of mind.

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