A home challenge would be considered for a child whose clinical presentation is thought not to have been due to the suspected food or whose food allergy is thought to have completely or partially resolved. This evaluation is made on analysis of the history and testing performed.
Information for parents/carers
Your child’s Allergy Team now considers it safe to offer (insert relevant food) at home with the aim of achieving normal portion size and frequency of a previously avoided food to the level of other family members never allergic to that food. If you are not certain you can do this, please discuss it with the Allergy Team.
- Initially (insert relevant food) should be offered 2-3 times a week for a month to ensure tolerance. Thereafter normal family consumption of the food should apply.
- Choose a time and a day that suits the child and family.
- Do not do on a day that the child is unwell or scheduled to take vigorous exercise later in the day.
- Have oral antihistamines available.
- Stop at the first sign of a reaction: for example swollen lip, itching, redness, nettle sting type rash, vomiting, wheezing. Give antihistamines. If not improving, seek medical attention.
- Start with a small amount of the food and build up over 1-2 hours to a normal serving size.