Phil Kieran: Is my baby at risk of inheriting a peanut allergy? 

"Nut allergy can cause itching and swelling of the face and hands and, in more severe cases, difficulty breathing, due to swelling of the airways."

Pic: iStock

I’m due to give birth to my first child in four weeks’ time. My husband has a nut allergy, and I’m worried the baby will inherit it. How soon can you check for the allergy? And what does it cost?

Food allergies, and peanut allergies, in particular, can be frightening due to the potential for severe reactions. Peanut allergy is one of the most common food allergies in children.