The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published its latest clinical guidelines on food allergies for children and young people.

The new draft states that a food allergy should be considered if the child displays symptoms such as:

• Skin conditions
• Respiratory complaints
• Gastrointestinal problems, or
• Anaphylaxis

A food allergy assessment should also be carried out if children do not respond to treatment for conditions such as eczema, reflux and chronic constipation.

If a food allergy is suspected, GPs should take a clinical history, family history of allergies, assessment of signs and symptoms and diet history.

Dr Judith Richardson, associate director of the NICE Centre for Clinical Practice, commented: ‘Food allergies in children are becoming more common, therefore it is important that there are appropriate, evidence-based approaches in treating those with this condition.’

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