Pay a visit to your GP, nutritionist or dietitian to confirm your suspicions and then if needed, he or she will refer you both off for testing. Diagnosis of a food allergy will generally involve a thorough case history (family history, medical history, diet and so on), physical examination and, in many cases, diagnostic testing as well dietary trials.
Be careful with the advice of well-meaning friends and family or even professionals who don’t specialise in child health. Your child’s growth and development depend on an accurate diagnosis and comprehensive dietary and lifestyle advice. Most specialists will ensure you go home with a bundle of recipes, fact sheets, helpful hints and lists of books and supportive groups and websites.
Don’t be tempted to reduce a child’s diet. They are experiencing such a fast growth rate and it is essential they maintain a varied, healthful diet to meet their needs. Where a change in diet is required, your health care professional will replace any eliminated foods to ensure a nutrient-sufficient diet is maintained.
While testing for true food allergies is somewhat more conclusive than that of food intolerance, there is still a degree of uncertainty in many cases. Testing is one piece of the puzzle and is used in conjunction with a review of medical history. The following are common tests that may be carried out:
The main message is that you will be in good hands and that these tools will help guide you to cope with any allergies or intolerances for your little one’s best health. Nothing is too small to investigate when it comes to your child’s health.
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital – Allergy Unit
The Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy
This information has been provided by Leanne Cooper Director of Cadence Health and Food Coaching Courses, Leanne is a registered nutritionist and mother of two very active boys.
This fact sheet may be reproduced in whole or in part for education and non-profit purposes with acknowledgement of the source. It may not be reproduced for commercial use or sale.
The information presented is not intended to replace medical advice.
Updated November 28, 2014