ALLERGY ANGUISH

Australian children are reported to have the highest prevalence of food allergy in the world, with 10% of children aged under one having a proven food allergy. Research now shows that early introduction to allergens can help reduce the risk of developing a food allergy.

Food allergies can be life-threatening, and they can develop at any time, so early and ongoing introduction of allergens is crucial in reducing the risk of food allergies in children. The current best practice guidelines recommend introducing all of the common food allergens before 12 months of age. As doctors, we know how important it is to introduce common food allergens early on, but as parents, we also know how challenging and overwhelming it can be. We’ve done the research and simplified this process for parents.

Figuring out the allergen behind the reaction

When your baby has an allergic reaction, it's super important to figure out which food caused it. This is one of the hardest jobs for us doctors, when we see children with or following allergic reactions. Here are some tips to help you identify the culprit allergen: Keep a food diary: Jot down what your baby eats, when they eat, and any reactions they may have. This can help you and your healthcare provider spot patterns and potential allergens.

Introduce new foods one at a time: As you start offering new foods to your baby, give them just one allergenic food at a time. This makes it much easier to pinpoint the cause of a reaction if one occurs. That's where Taste Bubs comes in! Our product introduces 7 of the most common food allergens, one at a time, to help you safely identify any potential allergies.

Spotting the signs of allergic reactions

Now, let's talk about how to recognise if your baby is experiencing an allergic reaction. Here are some signs to look for:

Skin symptoms: Hives, redness, itching, or swelling

Tummy troubles: Vomiting, diarrhoea, or abdominal pain

Respiratory symptoms: Coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing

Other symptoms: Irritability, lethargy, or a sudden drop in blood pressure (which can lead to pale or bluish skin, weakness, or fainting).

Remember, reactions can range from mild to severe, and they can happen quickly or take some time to develop.

What to do if your baby has an allergic reaction

If you suspect your baby is having an allergic reaction, here's what to do:

Stay calm: It's easier said than done, but staying calm will help you think clearly and act quickly.

Remove the allergen: If your baby is still eating the food, gently take it away from them.

Call your doctor or seek medical help: If the reaction seems mild, call your family doctor or paediatrician for guidance. If it's more severe or involves difficulty breathing, call emergency services or head to the nearest hospital immediately.

Call an ambulance immediately if there are signs of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), such as difficult/noisy breathing or your baby becomes pale and floppy, or if there is tongue swelling.

Allergic reactions usually occur quickly, within minutes to two hours, while other reactions to foods may be delayed.

It is important to note that minor redness around the mouth is most often due to skin irritation and is not usually due to an allergic reaction.

Introducing possible allergens

Understanding food allergies in babies is crucial for every parent. Knowing the types of allergies, how to identify the allergen, recognising the signs, and taking appropriate steps during a reaction will help.

To help make this process simpler for parents, Aussie doctors Dr. Mariam Chaalan (a family GP) and Dr. Rob McLeod (a Doctor specialising in children’s health and early development), created Taste Bubs, a hassle-free, four-week cycle program. Taste Bubs aids the early introduction of food allergens by easily introducing little tummies to cashew, peanut, egg, soy, sesame, almond, and walnut, once a baby is ready for solids. Each pack contains 28 powdered allergen sachets – with no additives or sugars – that can easily be mixed into age-appropriate baby food (purée, mash, cereals etc.)

“The idea came about because day after day Dr. Rob and I were having appointments with parents and carers who were overwhelmed and under informed about introducing allergens to their children. Unfortunately, the outcomes were usually parents and carers delaying the introduction due to their fears, or putting additional pressures on themselves and inadvertently causing unneeded stress and anxiety. There wasn’t an easy introduction solution available on the market, so that’s why we created Taste Bubs” said Taste Bubs’ co-founder Dr. Mariam.

“We dove headfirst into research and development, testing every powdered allergen available to find the purest, most nutritious, and sustainable ingredients possible. With the help of a renowned food technologist, who also has food allergies, we finally found our perfect mix of ingredients and are excited to launch Taste Bubs to market.”

Find out more at https://tastebubs.com.au/