My daughter was just diagnosed with a peanut allergy. We had started a month ago with a dot of peanut butter on her lips and no reaction. So, we moved up to a cracker with a very tiny amount of peanut butter spread on it - again, no reaction. She then had peanut butter ritz crackers - up to 4 at a time - again, no reaction. Then, one day, she had peanut ritz bitz crackers - a whole bunch of them, and she had some dots on her cheek and one on her chest. When I called the pedi, he said to stop all nuts and get her tested at Children's. We just got tested and she was officially peanut allergic.
I was wondering a number of things - could the skin test be wrong? The big bump and reaction showed, so it's not like it missed anything - but have others seen false positives with skin tests?
Also, it seemed that the doctor said no contact at all with anything with peanuts and gave us an epi-pen. If she has a reaction, we're supposed to use the epi-pen right away; he did not want us to start with Benadryl. How extreme are other moms in avoidance techniques when their child may have only had a slight skin reaction and never has had any other reaction when having peanuts. Do some moms let their child eat foods that are labeled "May have been made on a press that may have had peanuts on it" if their child has only had slight reactions? Or does everyone just do strict avoidance of anything and everything?
How do those moms out there deal with eating out with their kids with peanut allergies?
Are there forums where you can talk to other parents online - is that part of the membership of FAAN?
Has anyone heard of a way to test how severely one is allergic? Is the only way the challenge tests (my daughter is too young right now and they felt her skin prick test showed too big of a reaction to risk doing the challenge test)?
Lastly, at what age have you been told that you may try oral desensitization with your child to see if they can get used to having some exposure without dire consequences?
Thank you so much in advance for any guidance you can provide - I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed!!!
Hi K.
My friend's daughter was diagnosed as having a severe peanut over a year ago and I'd be happy to connect you to her for info. They have an allergy specialist who is world reknown!
J. H
my son is 12 and finally officially diagnosed with peanut allergfy. He has never had a reaction in hiw life, but dad and dads fam have allergy so we had him tested. The Dr. doesnt like the idea of the oral desensitzation , he says anything could happen even death so I will not try that for any reason. We have a epi pen and will be getting a medic alert bracelet. He does eat some stuff that he has always eaten that says "made in a facility that processes nut products" but not stuff that says porcessed on the same equipment. I have afriend who owns an ice cream shop and she said no one does a good job of keeping things separate. the test isnt wrong but like me son she may never have a reaction. good luck hang in there
Here are two resources my friend uses:
http://seacoastallergy.blogspot.com/
http://www.foodallergy.org
Best of luck,
J.
Hi K.,
My son has multiple food allergies i.e..milk, dairy, egg, soy, fish, shellfish, sesame, lentils, peas, mango and more. Most of them were obvious because he got hives immediately upon eating certain foods. Some foods that didn't show an obvious reaction showed positive on the skin test.ie. chicken. I had been giving him chicken previously and he showed no clinical signs of allergy. He is able to eat chicken with no problem, but i wouldn't give it to him if he started developing hives from it.
If your daughter tested positive for peanut and developed hives as you increased her exposure than she is most likely allergic! To my knowledge, with each exposure to the allergen, the reaction can be more severe. Why take a chance with anaphylaxis?
My son does not eat restaurant food because he has so many allergies. If you are only concerned with one food than it should be much easier. Always tell your server about her peanut allergy and it is the restaurants duty to ensure the food she is eating is not contaminated and disclose ingredients. Always read labels and i would avoid things made in factories made with nuts unless it states that it has good a manufacturing process as to not contaminate.
My sons allergist has never suggested food desensitization...perhaps too risky at this point and/or even a little bit of exposure could cause a terrible reaction. Maybe that is the case for your child not recommended for a food challenge. I also know there is no set age for allergies to 'disappear'.
Don't be overwhelmed. Once you get in the 'routine', it will be much easier.
Hi K.,
As hard as it is to avoid all peanut and nuts my advice is to avaoid at all costs. With alot of kids an allergy seems mild to us as parents but they can quickly become alot worse. My son had allergies to strawberries, he could eat them at first with not trouble and then one day he ate one and couldn't breath. It isn't something to play with. Your little girls llife could be on the line.
I just returned from a trip and there was a child with a peanut allergy on the plane and the flight attendant made an anouncement that nuts of any kind were not allowed on the flight for the safety of this child. Thte parents weren't sure if the allergy included air born exposier, also. Better safe than sorry. Good luck!
J. Wenglin
Welcome to the very confusing world of childhood allergies. It is very scary and overwhelming at first because you want to protect your child. Your best bet to help you navigate is to find some support groups that offer occasional lectures on allergy related topics, as well as events for families of children with allergies ( so you can go and fun and not have to be worried about any allergens).
Yes, the skin test can be wrong. BUT, don't assume it is, especially since your child had a slight reaction. A blood serum test would be the next step to getting more accurate information, but that can also be wrong. My niece tested positive for peanut allergies when they were doing a routine allergy test, mostly for pollen, dust, etc. But she had been eating peanuts and peanut products with absolutely no issues previously. She was about 10. Her mother did all the necessary things, but kept wondering "how could this be?" After several years of restrictions, carrying the epi-pen, etc, they did a food challenge in a hospital, and she had no reaction. She's 16 now and still has no problems with peanuts (but does have other allergies).
Since your daughter is so young, I would avoid peanut products as much as possible, as she might outgrow it. When she's older you could have a blood test done to check.
One of my daughters (age 10) has multiple allergies, including shellfish, fish and tree nuts. We make sure she doesn't eat them, we carry an epi-pen with us, but I'm not fastidious about possible cross-contamination. Her reactions have been hives, vomiting and an itchy throat. Our pediatrician advises to treat the patients symptoms, not the test results. It seems to work for us. However, I know our allergist would not agree, but she has to be more conservative and careful. It's her job.
I wish you good luck. It is manageable, especially since so many places don't allow peanuts anymore. Talking with other families with similar issues will help.
I think, before you even consider introducing peanut products to her in the future, that you must absolutely look at the fact that her allergy/sensitivity is caused by a nutritional imbalance. People are not born with allergies to foods, frankly! It's a huge misconception. However, they DO develop them, and they can be life-threatening for some and just annoying to others. All of the medical advice now is showing that small introductions of the trigger substance ( in your case, peanuts) can reverse the allergy but that it must be done under medical supervision. If you have been given an epi-pen, I doubt that you should be trying oral desensitization on your own.
However, addressing the nutritional imbalance can absolutely be done, and should, at home. Most doctors have no nutritional education, and the good ones will admit it. I have several friends who have reversed their children's (and their own) food allergies by using nutritional supplements from a very meticulous company right here in the US. One family had a child with 50 food allergies and he is now completely fine - and it's been about 8 years so you know it works! Another friend has a little girl with severe peanut and egg allergies - so severe she could die from eating a peanut - and her pediatrician is amazed at what the nutritional supplement has corrected. He didn't endorse it to begin with but he knew it wouldn't hurt her. After 11 months, her peanut allergy has been reduced by 50% (yes, there are tests that show the severity), and her pedi says to absolutely keep doing what they are doing. The doc says that she will be completely allergy free in another year. At that point, when the tests come back, they may start oral desensitization - except she will already be desensitized, so they will really be reintroducing these foods into a balanced digestive tract.
If you would like to talk to either family, I can connect you -- I know they don't want you to live in fear the way you are living!
Think about it - when I was a kid, everyone ate PB&J sandwiches, scrambled eggs, and milk. Today, there are peanut-free lunch tables in schools, classrooms where no one is even allowed to bring regular M&Ms (since peanut M&Ms are made in the same plant and there could be cross contamination), parents have to bring gluten-free cupcakes to the birthday parties in school because a few kids can't eat wheat flour, and half the people we know are lactose intolerant. Doesn't it make sense that we have a nutritional crisis on our hands, and we need a nutritional solution??
There is help out there if you are interested!
My Son was diagnosed with multiple food and enviromental allergies (casein, shellfish, tree nuts, oatmeat, cat, pollens) via the skin tests. We had done the blood tests previously and theyALL came back with false negatives. And mour son's allergist has never suggested oral desensitation -- too risky...BTW: Hershey's has a separate line for their plain kisses...
Good luck
Hello, the good news is that your daughter is so young, there is a chance she may simply outgrow the allergy with time (in years to come.) However- the problem with allergies is that the reactions may get worse and worse with subsequent exposures, so your best bet is total, strict avoidance for now. Peanut allergies are so common, that at the very least, childcare programs and schools pretty much ban any peanut products from coming in. I look forward to seeing other posts about support groups and organizations.
K.,
That does sound overwhelming. I personally am allergic to pine nuts. What I've been told by more than one dr. is that each exposure/reaction worsens, hence the epipen. I have been informed to use benadryl first, though.
However, children are different. Your questions are reasonable, but it seems that a doctor would be more knowledgeable in answering your quesions. Or like you said, a forum of other families in your situation.
Good luck.
AD
I certainly can relate - and I don't have all the answers to your questions, but my now 4 year old was dx with the peanut allergy when she was about 18 months. We also were very cautious in her exposure - no reaction the first time.... 2nd time, rash around the mouth, behind the ear, and in her diaper area an hour later. We did the blood test and it was confirmed. Following year at age 3, we asked for a repeat blood test, and this one was negative. They told us it could be false, so to continue avoiding all peanuts, nuts, etc. (why did we have the test then???). We also had the epi-pens, and had to avoid everything. We chose to avoid everything made in facilities with ANY nut - tree nuts and peanuts. We might have been a bit strict, but they scared us to do so... since the very next exposure could be worse, and even anaphalactic shock (sp?). We were never told to try desensitization techniques... just to avoid. On the plus side, it helped her stay away from candy and junk - since we just thought most were made in facilities with nuts (especially chocolate products). On the down side, birthday parties SUCK! Nearly 90% of the ones we go to, people either buy the cakes in a bakery (so of course they are around nuts), or they home make them, and we don't want to be the annoying parent asking about ingredients on their big day... and then they don't know and feel bad, etc. So we usually bring our own dessert, or plan on ice cream (where you can read the label).
The skin test is less likely to be wrong, but it's possible I suppose. I'd trust that more than the blood test. We were also told to just jump into using the epi before even messing with benadryl because of the sudden change that could occur - which is a more severe reaction and breathing issues. Thankfully, we've never needed to use it.
I am happy to announce that as of THIS WEEK, we did follow up testing (blood and scratch tests), and both were negative. Since they were negative, we could proceed with the oral challenge in the docs office. She did great and is no longer allergic at 4 years old! : ) YAY! I'm hoping the same for you. I would have never tried desensitizing on my own - it's too risky. I don't know about tests showing allergic vs. severely allergic - but maybe you could go to an allergist who specializes in peanut / nut allergies if you haven't already to ask all these questions. We had a great experience at South Shore Allergy in Weymouth. Dr. Broff was great with my daughter - and I hear that Dr. Young wrote the Peanut Allergy Answer book (some title like that) and he works there as well.
Good luck to you - I feel your pain!!!!
Hi,
We just went through the same thing last month. My daughter is 2. She had one bite and had a little red spot a while later. A few months later we tried one bite and much more bigger red spot almost instantly. We took her to an allergist in Taunton who did a blood test on her (they said she was too young to do the skin test unless they had to, the blood test was preferred). Plus the skin test just says "Yes" or "no" while the blood test gives an actual level. My understanding is the blood test shows the level of sensitivity. This does not mean the level of reaction. A child can be mildly sensitive meaning only if they ingest enough they will have a very severe reaction or highly sensitive means they may have a severe reaction from more like a little touch of it. My daughter was barely on the chart she was so mildly sensitive, but we were recommended a very strict avoidance diet and to go straight to the epipen not benadryl just like you. We are sticking with that. One reason for this is that it may give her a greater chance of outgrowing the allergy. We are not allowing any "traces of: or anything like that. It is hard because she is old enough to know that she ate something last week and now can't or that big brother can eat something and she can't. Also, we are trying to teach her that she may not take food off anyone else's plate -- if she stays allergic that will be important come school age especially to understand no sharing of food.
We have not limited our eating out (my older son loves restaurants and of course we found out just as summer traveling began!). We just speak with the waiter about her allergy first and I ordered some food allergy cards from http://www.achooallergy.com/foodallergycards.asp that we give to the waiter and ask them to give it to the chef. I feel like handing them something makes them less likely to forget. We do not let her eat bread at most restaurants because in most cases it is not made there and they can not tell us if it is ok. Her favorite food is mac and cheese and we have not yet had that be an issue.
I ordered some booklets from FAAN and they were extremely helpful. I also ordered some of the "Alexander" books to read with my kids.
I'm only just starting out on this like you so if you need to chat feel free to contact me privately.
Good luck!
E.
Hello K.,
Our 2 year old son had a pretty severe reaction after having a 1/4 pb sandwich at 15 months. He vomited, had face swelling and reddening and was having some problems breathing. The doctor at the time didn't even give him a shot of benedryl (which we found out later from the allergist should have happened). He was tested and is allergic to peanuts and egg whites (mild). The allergist will retest at 3 years to see if he is still allergic. The allergist said that often if the parents have allergies, even things like seasonal hayfever, there is a greater chance of a child having allergies. Our allergist told us to avoid peanuts and tree nuts; including anything made in a facility with those ingredients. He has two epipen jr. which we carry everywhere. We make everyone aware that he has food allergies and ask about ingredients when he's offered food. We also read all packaging. At first, it seemed very overwhelming, but know its second nature. We bring food with us if we go out just in case, but often he is able to eat what everyone else is eating. Most people understand the severity of anaphylatic allergies and will know ask us if he can have something. Our son is an excellent eater and is still breastfed, so he has no nutritional imbalances. If you need more info about living with allergies or just support, feel free to email me! K. =)
It is possible if she has very sensitive skin. My 28 month old had to have blood drawn because when he went for a skin test he reacted to both the control(which I want to say is just saline) and the prick of the substance that is supposed to make a bump appear he reacted to both so they couldn't test any further because with his sensitive skin he will react to anything they poke him with. The blood test will give levels giving you an idea of how sensitive the allergy is. I say strict avoidance is best. My nephew has a wheat allergy and had to be rushed to a hospital after french fries at a pizza joint because they use the same fryer for battered onion rings. I don't really think oral desensitization is a good idea peanut allergies are one of the few food allergies that are usually life long and severe. I say avoid it if you are concerned about your test results you can have blood drawn my oldest also tested positive for some things so at his next appointment they injected him w/ it under the skin on his upper arm to see how he reacted that looked painful and was very very itchy for him worse then the skin test.
From what I understand, a person can have a skin allergy to peanuts but not an internal allergy. given as many crackers as she had the final time perhaps she just spread it all over her face more. I'm no expert on this but I'm sure you could talk to your pediatrician and/or look this up and find out if there is a difference and if this could give a positive skin test.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
Try some ultimate aloe juice. I have a friend who's son was allergic to everything he consumed. He was in the hospital at 5 months old and almost died. He was bleeding internally and his immune system turned on him. After 3 days of aloe juice he was better. He is now 2 and as long as he takes the aloe every day he can eat anything he wants. It's amazing. Here is a link for you to get more information. Click on the different tabs to read all about it. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
http://www.marketamerica.com/nicoleryan/product-2232/ulti...
HI I have a 6 year old daughter that has several food allergies. One of them is peanut. The most accurate test for food allergies is what is know as a RAST test. It is a blood test where a blood sample is taken form child then the lab puts a smal amout of the food protein into the sample and a measurment of antibodies are taken and a number is given to each food type of how allergic the child is to the food. I highly recommend speaking to an Allergist not just your Ped. I have been dealing with food allegies for many years now and do a lot of research on the topic. Good luck!!
I see you have 15 responses, and I hope you now know how serious this allergy can be. My son has a mild allergy, as his mouth hurts when he eats PB, but he can be aorund it, touch it, smash peanuts at Texas Roadhouse..just not eat them. We have always given him Benedryl and it works within 5 mins. I have been warned not to take this lightly as so many of these allergies can change and take a turn for stronger reactions.
Some allergists are over the top (ours wanted us to carry an epi pen, we do not we carry benedryl, but for school we have to have both) You need to decide how you want to trea this, carry both..leanr the signs and there are web sites where you can get stickers and bracelets that say 'do not feed peanuts' etc. for her safety.
She coudl become more and more allergic. Did she test for tree nuts? they are Two different allergies, peanut and peas are related but Peanuts ar enot tree nuts and are not related to tree nuts (Honey Nuts and Oats is made with tree nuts)
My son is 6 1/2 and we have known for 2 years or more now. If she only reacts when eating them you are on a low level, if she reacts to her skin being otuched by PB you need to take a stronger course. if her beather is affected at all you have to be on top of everyone around you in every situation..schools, playdates..let eveyr one know in general so as not to have another mom feed her something by accident.
I know you are overwhelmed, there are local and online support groups (it is always wonderful to meet others who ar einthe same boat, support..it really is!) and this has become Very Common. but remember parents without any allergies will still think you are over concerned and not treat you serious. Be aware and be prepared.
My daughter was diagnosed with a peanut allergy at 20 months. She didnt react till her second exposure. Our allergist did a blood test as well as the skin test(which can show false positives)to confirm the allergy. We were also given an epi-pen, but only told to use it for a sever reaction which would include full body hives with wheezing, difficulty breathing, vomiting, profuse sweating,or diahrea. She has only had a small reaction once since the diagnosis, and it was minor and we just gave her Benadryl. We haven't had any problems with eating out, most restaurants clearly print allergy warnings on menus. Things being fried in peanut oil are very common, so I always ask.I have become a super label reader. Hope this helps.
