Food Allergy in Children
Expert food allergy testing, diagnosis and management for children across Belfast and Northern Ireland.
Food allergy occurs when the immune system reacts abnormally to a specific food protein. In children, the most common allergens include cow's milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish and shellfish.
Dr Mugilan Anandarajan is a Consultant Paediatrician with a special interest in allergy, eczema and respiratory conditions. He provides comprehensive food allergy assessment and management for children aged 0–16 at Kingsbridge Private Hospital and Ulster Independent Clinic in Belfast.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Hives (urticaria), swelling (angioedema), eczema flares, redness and itching
Vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea
Runny nose, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing
Dizziness, drop in blood pressure (in severe reactions)
Severe, life-threatening reaction involving multiple body systems simultaneously
Non-IgE reactions to milk or soy may present with eczema, reflux or loose stools hours to days after exposure
When to Seek Specialist Assessment
- Your child has had a reaction to a food that you suspect is allergic
- Your child has been prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector (EpiPen / Jext)
- Your child has eczema that is difficult to control, particularly in infancy
- Your child has multiple food allergies or complex dietary restrictions
- You need guidance on safe food introduction (e.g. peanut introduction)
Allergy Testing Methods
Skin Prick Testing
A quick, reliable test for IgE-mediated food allergy. A small drop of allergen extract is placed on the forearm and a lancet introduces it just below the skin. Results in 15–20 minutes. Most children find it feels like a light scratch.
Specific IgE Blood Testing
Measures allergy antibodies in the blood to specific foods. Particularly useful when skin prick testing is not possible — in young infants, children with extensive eczema, or those taking antihistamines.
Component Testing
Advanced molecular allergy testing that identifies specific proteins within a food, helping to predict the severity of reactions and guide management.
Management & Treatment Plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Dr Mugilan Anandarajan provides private food allergy testing for children at two convenient locations in Belfast — Kingsbridge Private Hospital (Lisburn Road) and Ulster Independent Clinic (Stranmillis Road). No GP referral is required and appointments are typically available within a few days.