Kids Health Matters Episode 11: Food Allergies

With rising rates of allergies in Australian children, many parents are struggling to navigate the growing minefield of allergy information and advice that’s out there.

If you’re confused about when to introduce your child to nuts, whether it’s wise to avoid certain foods altogether or the difference between a contact and allergic reaction, you’re not alone.

Be sure to tune into this episode of Kids Health Matters as Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) Immunologist Dr Michael O’Sullivan and Senior Dietitian Kath Harrigan team up to tackle all things allergy related.

The pair’s practical and easy-to-understand advice will help you sort fact from fiction and guide you through the tricky terrain of food allergies in children.

In this episode, Kath draws on her decades of dietetics experience to share practical advice on reducing stress around food allergies through:

• managing the introduction of food
• understanding food labelling and
• tips for teens with food allergies.

Dr Michael, will take you through the ins and outs of:

• testing
• managing severe allergic reactions and
• the most common food allergy in infants and children.

The renowned food allergy researcher will also explain the importance of an accurate diagnosis in helping you know what foods to avoid – and not to avoid – and the vital role of your GP.

Dr Michael emphasises the importance of regularly eating different foods as a way of training the body’s immune system in early life.

“The best way to prevent allergies in the future is to start allergy prone foods, such as nut pastes and egg, as early as possible and keep giving them to your child regularly.” Dr Michael said.

“For instance, it’s important to keep trying to expose a baby to different types of tree nuts even if they have had a reaction to peanuts,” Dr Michael said.

He will even share insights into treatments on the horizon thanks to new research.

“Traditionally we have taken a ‘one size fits all’ approach to food allergies.

“Our clinical trials are allowing us to consider future options and choice for families in how they can manage a child’s food allergy,” Dr Michael said.

Kids Health Matters provides trusted advice on common child health concerns from leading Western Australian child health experts.

This episode is hosted by broadcaster Dani Shuey and PCH Sleep and Respiratory Consultant Dr Adelaide Withers.

Further information including the episode show notes and a full transcript can be found on the Kids Health Matters homepage.

The podcast series is proudly produced by CAHS which includes Neonatology, Child and Adolescent Community Health, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and Perth Children’s Hospital.