Paediatric allergist in London

Children’s allergies develop when their immune systems overreact to substances which are usually harmless. These substances are known as allergens and common examples include pollen, dust mites, moulds and animal sheddings. Some foods can trigger allergies, too, especially nuts, eggs, milk, soya and wheat, but also more unusually, foods such as avocado and kiwi fruit. Symptoms may not develop for a day or two after exposure to the allergen, so it’s not always easy to pinpoint the culprit without specialist allergy testing.

It’s not fully understood why some children develop allergies and others don’t. In some cases, allergies may run in families – a tendency known as ‘atopy’. In other cases, there is no obvious underlying reason. 

Some experts believe our modern indoor lifestyles are to blame, while others suggest our living conditions are simply too clean. Children aren’t exposed to the same level of germs which are thought to ‘teach’ their developing immune system to respond in the right way by fighting infections but ignoring harmless substances such as pollen. Another possibility is that lower intakes of fish oil or vitamin D are making our immune system too sensitive.

Babies with allergies display similar symptoms to older children with allergies, but will also seem fussy, uncomfortable and difficult to settle. They may keep sneezing, have a constant runny or stuffy nose, and keep scratching their skin or rubbing their eyes. Their skin may seem dry or develop patches of eczema, and they may have frequent loose stools, colic or wind. Any problems with feeding, sleeping, or fussiness can result from an allergy, so if problems persist, it’s a good idea to get your baby checked.

Children and babies can react in unexpected ways to all types of substances and develop troublesome symptoms, such as:

• Skin redness, itching, rashes (itchy hives, eczema, contact dermatitis)
• Swelling and spasm of the airways with wheezing, a cough and breathing problems (asthma)
• Sneezing, nasal stuffiness and increased production of mucus (allergic rhinitis, hay fever)
• Itchy eyes, soreness and watering (allergic conjunctivitis)
• Tummy cramps and diarrhoea

Severe allergic reactions can cause an immediate reaction with facial swelling, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure and collapse (anaphylactic shock) which requires urgent medical treatment. 

Although severe allergic reactions are, thankfully, less common, any allergy can make your baby or child feel miserable, interfere with their sleep and affect their ability to concentrate and learn.

Dr Sophie Flammarion and Dr Lauri-Ann Van der Poel are here to support and guide you, and work alongside a multidisciplinary team of consultants with expertise in allergy medicine. They can help identify exactly which substances or foods your child or baby is reacting against through a range of tests, which may include: 

• Skin prick tests
• Blood tests
• Patch test for contact allergies

As a parent, knowing what is triggering your child’s symptoms – and being able to reduce their exposure – can provide a huge sense of reassurance. Management and treatment of allergies includes:

• Sublingual immunotherapy (desensitisation)
• Antihistamine drops/spray/tablets/cream
• Inhaled treatments for respiratory reactions to relieve their symptoms.

Children with severe allergies may need to carry an emergency treatment with them, such as an ‘Epi-Pen’ that can be administered at home or at school as soon as severe symptoms appear.