119 - What to Do if Your Child Has an Allergic Reaction with Dr Chaitanya Bodapati

We’re back for part two with paediatric allergist and immunologist Dr Chaitanya Bodapati (aka Dr Chai) to continue the conversation about allergies—this time focusing on what to do if your child reacts to a food.

Allergies are on the rise, and the process of introducing allergens can be anxiety-inducing for many families. But what happens when your child actually has a reaction? Whether it’s mild hives or something more serious like anaphylaxis, the path forward can feel overwhelming and unclear—especially when wait times to see a specialist can be months long.

Dr Chaitanya Bodapati is a dual-trained Paediatric Allergy/Immunology Specialist and General Paediatrician. With a holistic approach to care, she draws from her extensive clinical experience—and her personal experience as a mum to a child with multiple food allergies. She is passionate about helping families navigate the often stressful world of childhood allergies with clarity and compassion.

In this episode we discuss:

• The signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction vs a sensitivity or contact rash
• What to do if your child reacts to a food
• When (and when not) to seek medical help
• How to manage mild, moderate, and severe reactions
• Whether you need to stop introducing other allergens after a reaction
• The role of skin prick and blood testing—and why they’re often misleading
• What FPIES is, how it differs from other allergies
• Whether your child is likely to outgrow a food allergy
• When an EpiPen is (and isn’t) necessary
• Why the only true way to diagnose an allergy
• ... and so much more!

You can connect with Dr Chai via Instagram at @childrensallergyclinic or through her website www.childrensallergyclinic.com.au

Some other resources we mention include:

• ASCIA Allergy Action Plans
• Ep. 118 – Introducing Allergens with Dr Chaitanya Bodapati

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Presented by Luka McCabe and Kate Holm

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