Multiple reactions to foods but negative allergy tests?

[artymummy]

My daughter2 has multiple reactions to foods including vomiting, stomach cramps, rashes and temperatures. Why can't I find out what's causing it? How do I find the right doctor to help her? Thanks

[Carina Venter]

Hello

Many children have multiple reactions to food despite negative Skin Prick tests. This is often very difficult to manage. Do you have access to some specialist help such as a Peadiatrician or an Allergy Specialist Dietitian.

We often end up admitting some of these children to observe feeding in hospital - but like I said - not easy to manage.

Carina

[Rachel De Boer]

Hi

Like Carina suggests I would recommend that you talk to your GP about being referred to a Paediatric Allergist, Paediatrician with an interest in allergy or Specialist Allergy Dietitian for advice and support to help manage your daughters diet and reactions.

In cases like this we often use an exclusion diet - eliminating suspected foods from the diet for a short period of time and then reintroducing them one by one to see which is causing the problem. This should only ever be conducted under the guidance of a specialist Dietitian to ensure that your child is getting all the nutrients they need from adequate growth and development whilst on a restricted diet. Sometimes medication is needed in addition to dietary change to help control the symptoms.

Rachel