Advice needed: Food allergies testing results

[vgrandy]

For the record, we have gotten all the info we can from the pediatrician and are in a 2 month wait for the pediatric food allergy specialist.

My son is 14 years old. His pediatrician ordered allergy testing (IGE bloodwork) due to GI issues. The results came back positive for rice, soy, and most of the nut panel. His total IGE is 708. His CBC shows slightly elevated MCH, eosinophils (currently only slightly elevated but previously triple the high range), and monocytes, slightly low neutrophils.

Pediatrician says that his high total IGE could be skewing the specific tests making the artificially high. So, I have all this information and don't know what to do with it. If he doesn't really have food allergies what is causing the high IGE? If he does have all those allergies they are clearly not life threatening. The doctor did not mention anything about avoiding those foods while we wait for our specialist appointment.

Just looking for advice from those who know more about food allergies then I do about what to expect next. Interested in hearing stories of those who have been though the process and how it went for them. Would love info on online resources on multiple food allergies.

Victoria

[Erin1700]

If he shows positive for a food allergy, just because you haven't seen a reaction, doesn't mean he hasn't had a slight one. And they grow with exposure so tomorrow he might eat nuts and have a big reaction. I would avoid them.
-mom of a child with severe peanut and tree nut allergies

[HeatherC]

Did they test for gluten? A lot of people with food allergies react to gluten.

I do know of a company called Enterolabs that does stool tests for food allergies. Apparently, their testing is supposed to be more accurate than a simple blood test. I have not used them but maybe there is some info on their site that may help you. I do know, that they explain a bit about IGE and gluten as well as other food allergies.

I came across them because I have a form of colitis and found a forum board called Persky Farms which is a support forum for people with the same type of colitis. The site has some info on food allergies and the people there seem very knowledgeable and helpful.

Maybe either or both of these can help answer some of your questions a little better or help provide you with some new questions you may need to ask your doctor to get some answers.

I hope your son is feeling better soon.

[vgrandy]

I don't know if he tested for gluten. I'm not sure if we are still waiting for some test results. I will suggest it though. Thank you for the resources. I will look into them.

Victoria

[KiKi Mouse]

Are they allergies or good sensitivities?

I have both.

They'll probably suggest going on a two week elimination diet. Don't eat any of the stuff he tested positive for two weeks and then slowly add one food item at a time to see how it goes.

[vgrandy]

Originally Posted by KiKi Mouse

Are they allergies or good sensitivities?

I have both.

They'll probably suggest going on a two week elimination diet. Don't eat any of the stuff he tested positive for two weeks and then slowly add one food item at a time to see how it goes.

Right now I don't know if they are either. blood tests came back positive in big way but the test is known for false positives. What good is a blood test if you can't trust the results.

Victoria