Peanut allergies in toddlers

[vettechick99]

Go to http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/. I got really great support and information from that site. I think I got that link for a post here on the Community Board a year and a half ago!

DS #2 was diagnosed with eggs, milk, and peanuts when he was 1yo. He had a similar journey as your little one (long-time eczema, hives when he ingested eggs - had not tried peanuts yet). His RAST levels showed moderate for eggs and peanuts, and mild for milk. We eliminated ALL allergens. It was very difficult and I was devastated at first. But it became second nature to check all ingredients after a while. We have a very very atypical story, but 9 months later, we had repeat RAST and SPT and both were negative. So DS has been back on a regular diet since with no incidents.

Did your DD get RAST/SPT? I recommend making sure you have an allergist who explains things clearly, and has a set plan that he/she makes sure you understand.

PM me if you have any questions. I know it can be a bit overwhelming at first. I promise it does get easier.

We have not seen an allergist yet. The one he recommends in our area won't see children before 3. And really, I don't want to expose DD to the skin test unless its absolutely necessary. She's had so many foods already (even fish) without any problems. I'm hoping peanut and eggs are it! So unless we still have problems or other issues crop up, doctor said to hold off on everything until she's a little older.

 

[GhillieGirlsmom]

Long time lurker...My daughter, Colleen is about the same age as yours (2 in Feb.) She is anaphalactic (sp?) to milk, egg, and soy. We have not tried her with nuts or shellfish under advice from our allergist, although I don't look for things with the "manufactured in plant" labels for nuts. I do give her products with the manufacutred in plant with milk, egg and soy, which may account for a slight reaction.

I second the recommendation of the PP with carrying Benadryl. If Colleen begins to have even one hive, we give her 1/2 tsp of Benadryl. I carry in my diaper bag a ziplock with the Benadryl, 2 epi pen jr. and a medicine spoon. If she accidently eats anything that we see even the slightest reaction we "wack" her with the Benadryl. This has avoided any severe reactions in our case.


i am surprised you can't get her in to an allergist. My DD was tested via one simple blood draw at about 10 months old. It was over quickly, and we knew for sure what she was allergic to. The also tested something called IGE which measures the childs propensity to be allergic. A lower IGE is actually good, it means she is more likely to outgrow the food allergy.

Good luck, I know it is difficult but it truly gets easier with time.

Julie

 

[vettechick99]

I am interested in the blood test. I may look into that more. Thanks!

 

[GhillieGirlsmom]

The test you want to ask for is RAST they checked Colleen for quite a few things with just that one blood draw. I think it may not be quite as accurate as the skin test, but in our case it picked up everything that we needed to really watch out for.

Good luck.