Food Allergy and Tolerance in Children

Babies can be sensitised to food even before they are born, as molecules from the food the mother eats, reaches the womb and into breast milk. Children who show food sensitivity in their early years are more likely to develop other health problems later, which often continue or reappear in their adult lives. Although sensitivity to cow's milk is by far the most common problem, the discovery has highlighted a host of other sensitivities as well.

Colic, a sharp pain in the stomach or intestines of babies, causes incessant, uncontrollable crying. More usual in the evenings, it causes a baby to draw up its legs when crying and to become very red-faced. The attacks are most common in the first 10 to 12 weeks of life. Many doctors believe that colic represents an initial crisis reaction as the child is exposed to large amounts of cow's milk. The child later adapts to the problem foods and the colic apparently clears up - but his sensitivity continues in the form of other less acute symptoms, sometimes for life, such as eczema or asthma.

The root cause of colic may lie in lactose intolerance or mild lactase deficiencies. This causes larger amounts of undigested milk sugar to pool in the stomach where bacteria cause it to ferment, resulting in toxic by-products of gas, pain or diarrhea. Smaller but more frequent amounts of feeds, including breast milk, are possible solution. Babies on cow's milk may have to try alternative brands or switch entirely to soya-based formulae which are lactose-free.

Some children have hyperkinesis or hyperactivity syndrome. A Canadian study has revealed that 20% of cases are linked to food allergy. Potentially sensitive agents aside from natural foods and pollens include food additives, house dust and cleaning chemicals with food preservatives, colourings and flavourings receiving the most unfavourable, though not undeserved publicity. In cases where similar exposures to such allergens are controlled, 50% to 80% of hyperactive children respond well. Hyperkinensis is a complex disorder and parents must learn to differentiate between active and hyperactive children, right from infancy. Doctors warn that altering the diet may not be the answer or the only answer to the food-sensitive child, nor should parents attempt anything without medical consultation.

It is natural to worry about children, especially when they are ill, but worrying too much can be harmful. Parents of allergic children walk a tightrope. On one hand, they need to warn their child about things to avoid; on the other, they must not make him over-anxious. Parents then have their own fears and need to conceal these from the child as well. In some cases, the question of the child's health becomes entangled with other problems - a tense relationship between husband and wife, sibling friction or child neglect. Arguments, whether about the child's health or other matters, in front of him can create more problems, both physical and psychomatic. Try to insulate children from such situations until they are old enough to deal with them themselves.

Allergic children should be encouraged to lead lives as rich and normal as possible outside the control of the home. Make sure the allergic child gets ample nutrition and enough exercise, so that he is fit and not overweight. Remember, a well-adjusted and happy child is less likely to be physically ill.

Sources:

Professor Brian Lipworth, "Food allergies in children" NetDoctor.co.uk

Steve Dowshen, MD "Food Allergies" KidsHealth