1 in 10 babies born today will have a food allergy

PAINT & DONATE!

Today I found out my son is probably the one in ten. 

Four years ago my daughter was also displaying allergic symptoms, including hives, severe eczema, dry skin, sleepless nights, crying spells and digestive discomfort. 

She was diagnosed with serious food allergies, which may cause anaphylaxis, at just eight months old. 

So it came as no shock my son's reaction to the introduction of solid food at six months was due to food allergy. 

Luckily this time I was prepared. I knew the signs of allergy and took steps to eliminate the foods most likely to be allergenic such as cow's milk and wheat, which are commonly found in jars of food for babies over the age of six months.

Research into allergic disease continues but remains inconclusive. The best advice to parents of allergic children are the three As - Awareness, Avoidance and Action. 

Charity lobby group Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia's (A&AA) 1 in 10 Campaign is in its second year and will again help raise awareness and funds into allergic disease and hopefully uncover why allergy is skyrocketing, especially in children. 

The campaign, supported by Blue Wiggle Anthony Field and comedian Peter Hellier, among other celebrity ambassadors, asks people to paint one fingernail (or one fingernail a different colour to the rest) during Food Allergy Awareness Week (May 13 - 19th, 2013) to represent the children who have food allergies and to donate at foodallergyaware.com.au. 

The most common food allergies:
Cow's milk
Egg
Peanut/tree nut 
Sesame
Soy
Wheat
Fish, shellfish 

The most common reactions to food allergies:
Tingling or itching in the mouth
Hives, itching or eczema
Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat, or other parts of the body
Wheezing, nasal congestion or trouble breathing
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting

For more information visit allergyfacts.org.au.