Your child gets a rash after eating eggs. Or maybe they're itchy and restless after a meal with dairy products. Is it an allergy, or something else?
Allergies in children can be confusing to navigate. Here's an overview of symptoms, testing, and what you can do - based on Norwegian health guidelines.
How common are allergies in children?
According to the Norwegian Asthma and Allergy Association (NAAF), about 30 percent of Norwegian children have some form of allergic disease. The most common are:
- Atopic eczema - affects up to 20 percent of Norwegian children
- Food allergy - affects 6-8 percent of infants, but many outgrow it
- Pollen allergy - typically develops from age 3-5
- Asthma - affects about 10 percent of children in Norway
Allergies have a hereditary component. If one or both parents have allergies, the risk is higher for the child.
Food allergy vs. food intolerance - what's the difference?
Many people confuse allergy and intolerance, but they are two different things.
Food allergy involves the immune system. The body reacts to a protein in the food as if it were dangerous. Reactions can come quickly (minutes to hours) and can in rare cases be severe.
Food intolerance does not involve the immune system. It's about the body having difficulty digesting certain substances, like lactose. The symptoms are uncomfortable, but not dangerous.
According to the Norwegian Health Directorate, cow's milk protein allergy is the most common food allergy in infants. It affects 2-3 percent and typically resolves by the time the child is 3-5 years old.
Symptoms of allergies in children
Skin reactions
The most common allergic skin reaction is hives (urticaria) — raised, red, itchy welts that appear minutes to hours after contact. Eczema flares are also common. Look for redness, dry patches, and intense itching, especially in skin folds and on the face.
Digestive reactions
- Vomiting or nausea shortly after eating
- Diarrhea (may appear hours after eating)
- Stomach cramps or bloating
- Refusal to eat due to discomfort
- Blood or mucus in the stool (particularly with cow's milk protein allergy in infants)
Respiratory reactions
- Runny nose, sneezing, or congestion
- Watery, itchy eyes
- Coughing or wheezing
- In severe cases: difficulty breathing
Anaphylaxis — Know the Signs
Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Signs include:
- Sudden difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
- Rapid pulse, dizziness, or collapse
- Widespread hives combined with other symptoms
Call 113 immediately if you suspect anaphylaxis. If the child has been prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector (EpiPen), use it right away.
Allergy Testing in Children
There are two main types of allergy tests:
Skin prick test
A small drop of allergen extract is placed on the skin, which is then lightly pricked. A raised, red bump after 15–20 minutes indicates sensitivity. This is the most common first test and can be done from infancy.
Blood test (specific IgE)
A blood sample is taken and analyzed for specific IgE antibodies. Often used when a skin prick test is not possible or to confirm results.
Both tests indicate sensitization, not necessarily a clinical allergy. Some children test positive but tolerate the food perfectly well. An oral food challenge, conducted under medical supervision, is the gold standard for diagnosing food allergy.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Contact your GP or health visitor if:
- Your child reacts with skin symptoms, vomiting, or respiratory symptoms after a specific food
- You've removed a food from their diet based on suspected allergy
- The child has eczema that doesn't improve with standard treatment
- There's a family history of severe allergies
For suspected severe allergy or anaphylaxis risk, ask for referral to a specialist (pediatric allergist).
What Can You Do at Home?
If allergy is confirmed:
- Eliminate the trigger food from the diet
- Read all labels carefully, allergens must be clearly listed under EU food labeling rules (which Norway follows)
- Inform daycare and school staff, provide a written action plan
- Ask your doctor about antihistamines for mild reactions
If you're unsure:
- Keep a food and symptom diary, track what the child eats and any reactions
- Don't eliminate foods unnecessarily, as this can itself cause sensitization
- Talk to your health visitor before removing entire food groups
Does Allergy Go Away?
Many childhood food allergies do resolve over time, particularly:
- Cow's milk allergy, most children outgrow it by age 3–5
- Egg allergy, often resolves by school age
- Soy and wheat, frequently outgrown
Peanut, tree nut, shellfish, and fish allergies tend to be more persistent. Regular re-testing (typically annually) can determine if a child has outgrown an allergy.
Helpful Resources
- NAAF (naaf.no) . Norwegian Asthma and Allergy Association, guidance, support, and community
- Helsenorge.no, official Norwegian health information on food allergy in children
- Your GP or health visitor, first point of contact for testing and guidance
Sources
- AAP — Infant and toddler nutrition guidelines
- WHO — Global infant feeding recommendations
- CDC — Infant and toddler nutrition resources
🔧 Helpful Tools
- Baby Milestones Tracker — Track your baby's developmental milestones
- All Baby Tools — Browse all free tools for pregnancy and baby care