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!
Re: Allergy doctor
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