Allergy doctor

GracefulStar

Can anyone give me insight on what to expect when taking a toddler to the allergist? I didn't want to, my family and I don't have severe allergies and the few we do we just kind of deal with. I know my son is allergic to egg whites. Today he just had another reaction (hives all over and itching)... I have no idea what caused it as he ate things he had before. I'm thinking I should take him as I'd like to know what he's allergic to for his own safety. I just don't want him restricted from things needlessly so. My friend had so many things she couldn't eat to find out as an adult she wasn't allergic to most of them. Most people in my life think he's too young for the allergist, he's 14 months. His doctor gave me an allergist but isn't pressing me to go. Any insight would be appreciated! Thank you!

momofmanyinthemitten

I'd just monitor at home very closely. Maybe even write down foods given each day and any reactions so that you can pinpoint the problem food. DH is an allergist and he tells his patients that if a food shows up as an allergy, but they've never reacted to it, then don't worry about avoiding it.

pmduggan01

My son's first allergist appt was at 6 months due to eczema and respitory issues. Then he had an obvious allergic reaction to his 1 year bday cake.

Our pedi referred him to a pediatric allergist at Children's Mercy where thru blood work and a thorough history found that he has a severe allergy to eggs, including eggs baked into food.

She prescribed the Epi-Pen and gave us training on how to use it, and when. We avoid all products that have any eggs in it or were processed in facilities with egg. He's been exposed once since then and we were able to treat it with Benedryl, but you never know when an anaphylactic reaction can happen.

He's since had a reaction to shell fish and tested allergic to shrimp at 22 months old. The other major food allergy items (dairy, soy, peanut, fish, wheat, and corn) he's tested negative.

Neither my husband or I have food allergies. I have a nephew with severe peanut allergy. Family history doesn't matter, per research.

And though there's a chance DS will "outgrow" his food allergies, I'm not taking any chances. He'll continue to avoid those things and have his Epi-pen within reach until he gets the all clear from his doc.

I recommend keeping Benedryl handy until your LO is seen by an allergist. And this site had great info https://www.foodallergy.org

LSU628

GracefulStar said:

Can anyone give me insight on what to expect when taking a toddler to the allergist? I didn't want to, my family and I don't have severe allergies and the few we do we just kind of deal with. I know my son is allergic to egg whites. Today he just had another reaction (hives all over and itching)... I have no idea what caused it as he ate things he had before. I'm thinking I should take him as I'd like to know what he's allergic to for his own safety. I just don't want him restricted from things needlessly so. My friend had so many things she couldn't eat to find out as an adult she wasn't allergic to most of them. Most people in my life think he's too young for the allergist, he's 14 months. His doctor gave me an allergist but isn't pressing me to go. Any insight would be appreciated! Thank you!

I'd take them just for their own safety. A lot of times subsequent exposures to allergens can have a more severe reaction. Both of my kids saw the allergist young b/c of milk protein allergies, severe reflux and eczema. Our allergist is wonderful with them. She didn't subject them to blood work, but instead did the patch tests on their backs. It really isn't that bad (I had to have it done as an adult). The worst part is entertaining them for the 20 minutes the allergens are on their back. Like pp mentioned, DS had tested positive for some foods, but he had already eaten them and didn't react so we got the green light to continue giving him those foods. We avoid the foods DS is allergic to, but we have an epi pen and Benadryl on hand, just in case.

momofmanyinthemitten

I take back my original advice. You should get him seen. I often forget that other people don't have the allergy background knowledge that we do, nor a hospital a block away.

GracefulStar

Thank you all, this has been helpful. My son has eczema as well. Thanks again, I am going to make an appointment.