S/NVQ Level 3 Children’s Care, Learning and Development 307 Promote the health and physical development of children Food allergies

S/NVQ Level 3 Children’s Care, Learning and Development 307 Promote the health and physical development of children What is a food allergy? ○An abnormal hypersensitive reaction that occurs after eating a normal amount of a certain food

S/NVQ Level 3 Children’s Care, Learning and Development 307 Promote the health and physical development of children What is the most common age that food allergies occur? ○Under 4? ○Under 10? ○Under 21? ○Food allergies are rare and they occur most commonly in children under four.

S/NVQ Level 3 Children’s Care, Learning and Development 307 Promote the health and physical development of children What are the most common food allergies? ○Milk ○Eggs ○Fish ○Nuts ○Citrus fruits and tomatoes ○Wheat

S/NVQ Level 3 Children’s Care, Learning and Development 307 Promote the health and physical development of children What are the symptoms of food allergies ○Swelling of the lips, face, throat and tongue (this may lead to suffocation) ○Tingling, itchy sensation in the mouth and lips ○Stomach cramps ○Feeling of weakness ○Blotchy skin rash ○Vomiting and diarrhoea

S/NVQ Level 3 Children’s Care, Learning and Development 307 Promote the health and physical development of children Symptoms ○The symptoms may be mild initially, but a doctor should be contacted as further exposure to that food may cause a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

S/NVQ Level 3 Children’s Care, Learning and Development 307 Promote the health and physical development of children Treatment ○Avoid problem foods. ○Ensure that all carers are aware of child’s allergy. ○Have access to an Epipen and someone who knows how to use it.

S/NVQ Level 3 Children’s Care, Learning and Development 307 Promote the health and physical development of children Gluten-free diets ○Children who are on a gluten-free diet should not eat wheat, barley, rye or oats. ○ALWAYS CHECK THE LABELS! Gluten often found in: ○bread ○pastries ○cakes ○biscuits ○pasta and noodles ○couscous ○semolina ○barley-based drinks