This leaflet is for patients and for the parents and carers of children and young people who have attended the Children’s Allergy Day Unit. This leaflet provides discharge information following a food or medication challenge.
Important
Please ensure that your child remains under adult supervision overnight, and that antihistamines are readily available.
Discharge Information – Food Challenge
If your child has successfully completed the food challenge, please introduce the food into their diet gradually and consistently, as tolerated. Aim for your child to eat a portion of the challenge food 2 to 3 times a week.
If your child has not successfully completed the food challenge, please continue to avoid the food in your child’s diet.
Discharge Information – Medication Challenge
If your child has successfully completed their medication challenge, please continue giving their medication over the next few days as instructed (usually this will be twice a day for three days, starting the morning after their challenge).
If you have any concerns regarding the medication, do not give any further doses and discuss your concerns with the Children’s Allergy Nurse or another health professional.
After your child has finished taking the medication at home you must contact the Allergy Nurses to inform them so your child’s clinical details can be updated.
If your child has not successfully completed the challenge, please continue to avoid the medication.
Allergic Reactions
If your child had an allergic reaction during their challenge today, please ensure they do not participate in vigorous activities for the rest of the day and keep a close eye on them.
Most allergic reactions are immediate or occur within 1 – 2 hours after eating the food or taking the medication. Very rarely, a DELAYED allergic reaction may occur, and your child will become unwell at home. This may include an eczema flare or gastrointestinal symptoms (tummy ache / diarrhoea).
If the delayed reaction is mild – give your child an oral antihistamine. If your child has severe vomiting or you are concerned – take them to the nearest A&E
If your child has an allergic reaction during the challenge, please be aware that a second acute allergic reaction (biphasic reaction) can occur 8 – 12 hours after the initial reaction.
A biphasic allergic reaction is rare. If this occurs, please give your child their antihistamine and any other medications as needed.
If your child’s allergic reaction is severe (difficulty breathing, collapse)
Administer their adrenaline auto-injector (if prescribed) and call 999.
Please inform the Children’s Allergy Team if your child experiences an allergic reaction following a challenge, or if they experience a flare in their eczema or have diarrhoea / vomiting 1 – 3 days after their food challenge (even if the challenge was successful on the day).
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact
Children’s Allergy Nurses
Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00
Please Note: This is NOT an emergency number and may go directly to voice mail.
