Understanding son's peanut allergy?
819825
You have every right to be nervous. In this type of allergy even the fumes from peanuts, almonds or any nut can be fatal, an allergy is not dose dependant meaning it does not matter how much peanut but simply the presence of them. You have to do what you are doing and take charge because everyone else does not understand and that can be fatal. I hope you have all the antihistamines, and an Epi-pen on hand just in case he does eat peanuts. This will provide a window of time to get him to the ER. In time your son will be old enough to take care of himself, if others around you are so dense, then keep them away from your son. I heard a story about a kid who was extremely allergic and ate a piece of cake with no nuts, but the knife used to cut his cake was used on another cake that did have peanuts. He ate his cake and died, this is not joke a very serious condition. Take care and stand up to the idiots.
74677
Some allergies can actually be "cured" by treatment.  Go to a local Allergist.  The treatment is basically giving the person very small doses of the substance that he is allergic to and then over a long period of time gradually increasing the dosage.  This is a long term treatment that can take a year or so.  But I've heard lots of cases of it working pretty well.  I do think that your grandson might be too young to go though treatment at this age....might be better off to wait till he's a few years older.  Still it doesn't hurt to go consult the Allergist first.  By the way, some insurance policy will cover (if only partially) the cost, so you should also double check with your insurance company first.
748195
do you know if your son is intolerant to anything I am intolerant to dairy products and wheat (big time) If I eat bread I get agonising pains in stomach try stopping both  and see if this works if not call an ambulance and tell them he has collapsed in agony then he will definitely be seen instantly.  Good luck to you.
859129
I am a school lunch aide and must be very watchful of food allergins  \nTootsie rolls are non-peanut contact, but are a choking hazard for very young children.  You can make chocolate flavored treats with candy flavoring.\nhave your child tested every few years by the doctor, as some children out grow peanut allergies, I have one of my students who has.
1034729
Ultimately your baby's pediatrician would know best. However, if the baby has been taking formula...stick with that.  If he/she is cooperating, try 2nd step foods like infant cereal (basically rice cereal ground up really fine).  Only introduce one food at a time to the baby so you can watch for allergic reactions and stay away from fish, peanuts (peanut butter), eggs and such until the Doc gives you the "OK".
894206
"Peanut allergy is caused by an immune system malfunction. Your immune system identifies peanuts as harmful triggering the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to neutralize the peanut protein (allergen). The next time you come in contact with peanuts, these IgE antibodies recognize it and signal your immune system to release histamine and other chemicals into your bloodstream.\n\nHistamine and other body chemicals cause a range of allergic signs and symptoms. Histamine is partly responsible for most allergic responses, including runny nose, itchy eyes, dry throat, rashes and hives, nausea, diarrhea, labored breathing and even anaphylactic shock." this is from Mayoclinic.com
694080
Pop isn't good for him anyway! I don't know about allergies, but it is full of chemicals and sugar.\nWater is best, but if he really must have something sweet, get him natural fruit juice instead! My 3-year old hates pop, and I'm so happy about it!
837466
you can buy "echinacea" from the store and put it in his food, it will enhance his immune system, it helps, but you only need very small doses, and it is natural
72995
My child was diagnosed with this condition. Conventional medical experts pushed medications and said they would be for life.  Go the alternative road.  THere is NO harm in trying.  All of my son's symptoms disappeared when we treated food and environmental allergies.  Get and read the following 2 books used from Amazon: 1. IS THis Your Child, Doris Rapp, MD 2. Food Allergy Cure, Ellen Cutler, MD   Just do it!  You will be glad you didi!
143898
Peanut oil is what I use in my deep fryer and it works good.\n<Peanut oil is often used in cooking, because it has a mild flavour and burns only at a relatively high temperature. It is also known as groundnut, arachis, or arachide oil.\n\nSome people believe that the processes used in the production of groundnut oil make it less dangerous, or even benign, to peanut allergy sufferers than unprocessed nuts. Nonetheless, most sufferers avoid it.\n\nArachis oil is used in many products, such as food, and creams. There was a scare in the media a few years ago that the rise in nut allergies, especially peanut allergies, might be attributable to the common use of the oil in nipple creams, sensitising babies when their immune systems were weak. However, there was no evidence to back it up, and this wouldn't account for the rise coinciding with a rise in asthma and other allergies. It is generally accepted that these products are not a risk unless you have a history of allergies.
750959
Liberal - wants to tell your kid where he or she can eat a peanut butter sandwich (not school, someone may be allergic)\n\nConservative - wants your son to eat peanut butter anywhere
657651
I commend you for preparing for your appointment with the allergist.  Being an informed patient fosters communication with doctor(s) and helps you make informed choices about your treatment plan(s).  I hope the following information is helpful in getting you as healthy as possible.  \n\n\nFirst of all, here are some "basics" that were helpful for me to know:\n#1: A better term for "allergies" is "hypersensitivities".\n\n#2: Allergies are grouped by the kind of trigger, time of year, or where symptoms appear on the body. \n\n#3:  Types of Allergies: \na) Indoor (aka “Nasal” Allergies)\nb) Outdoor (aka “Hay Fever” and “Nasal” Allergies) \nc) Food & Drug \nd) Latex \ne) Insect\nf) Skin\ng) Eye\n  \n\n#4: There are two ways to test for hypersentivities*:\na. Skin \nb. Blood \n\n\n#5: Hypersensitivities/ Allergies change with time.  Yup, just because you are not allergic to something in the past doesn’t assure you will not develop hypersensitivity down the road.\n\n#6: Hypersensitivities/ Allergies can be managed.  There is/are no cure(s).\n\n#7: Treatment does not make you hypersensitive -/ allergen-free.  There is/are no cure(s).\n\n#8: Most allergists do NOT test for or help with food hypersensitivities.  \n\n\n\nSo, with all that in mind, it is IMPERATIVE to know WHY you and your primary care physician (PCP) need the expertise of an Allergy & Immunology specialist.  Is it because: \n#1: You have never been diagnosed or tested?\n\n#2: You and your doctor want to rule out food hypersensitivity?  \n\n#3: You and your doctor suspect a NEW hypersensensitivity to certain foods, pets, drugs, etc.?\n\n#4: A preexisting condition - asthma, environmental hypersensitivity, skin disorder, etc. – require medications such as epinephrine and/or other prescriptions?   \n\n\n\nOnce you’ve ascertained the reason why you are seeing an allergist, here are some questions you may want to ask the allergist BEFORE your appointment:\n#1: Do you test for food allergies?\n\n#2: Do you treat food allergies?\n\n#3: Do you view food hypersensitivity as seriously as environmental hypersensitivity?\n\n#4: (If the allergist does treat food allergies.)  Do you prescribe epinephrine for severe food reactions?\n\n#5. Is there anything I need to do with my medication(s) to prepare for my appointment? \n\n#6. Do you practice/ prescribe alternative treatment (aka Naturopathy***)? \n\n\n\nTo make the most out of doctor visits, it always a good idea to:\n#1. (Especially on your initial visit)\nProvide thorough information (past & present) related to your hypersensitivities/ allergies**.  \n\n#2:  Provide an accurate and detailed list of all prescribed and over-the-counter products (include vitamins, minerals, dietary supplements/ shakes, herbs, etc.) you are currently taking.\n\n#3.  Update your list every time you see a provider\n\n\n\nLastly, if you have additional questions or would like more information, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) now provides online access to an allergy specialist.  Questions can be submitted online at http://www.aafa.org/ask_allergist_online.cfm
378420
try sneaking the fruits and vegetables into food he likes...pizza, spaghetti, jello, even icecream, give him foods that have a lot of vitamins in them, such as cereal and whole grain breads, since you are so concerned about his diet.\nhe also needs professional help.  it sounds like he is already receiving this, but, if not, he needs to talk to a therapist, even if his problems are nutritional.  after four years, it has probably developed into a more serious problem, and simply feeding him fruit won't fix everything.  now, i'm not endorsing the use of drugs, especially in someone so young, but they may be helpful if other treatments, such as counseling, diet & exercise changes, and behavioral therapy don't seem to work.  has he been diagnosed by a professional, or do you just think that he has depression and anxiety? he may have a learning disability, OCD, and/or social development problems, as well as the depression/anxiety. before treatment begins, he needs a definite diagnosis.  also, if he was diagnosed years ago, his problems may have changed or he may have developed new issues (this is fairly common).  find a psychiatrist that he and his father feel comfortable with, and follow their suggestions.  talk with a nutritionist and the boy's doctor about his diet, maybe they could explain to him how important eating healthy is, and what will happen if he doesn't, then tell him (and you) how to change eating habits.  set a good example for him, and offer healthy snacks after school.  it sounds like he does have a psychological problem, as well as a nutritional one, and he needs treatment for both.  make sure the therapist (find one that specializes in children) knows of your concerns about his diet, this is important information, and may dictate the proper treatment.\noh, and the physical problems, such as stomach aches, may actually be caused by depression. i know it sounds odd, but it's true.  the prolonged stress and sadness can cause stomach problems, headaches, clumsiness, etc.\ngood luck to all of you!
314244
If cutting caffiene (e.g. sodas, teas) IMPROVES behavior, the child DOES NOT have ADHD. Someone with ADHD will visibly calm down when given caffiene.\n\nAbout 5% of kids who are hyperactive are really having a food allergy.\n\nhttp://www.nutramed.com/Foodallergy/fachildren.htm\nhttp://www.nutramed.com/children/hyperactivity.htm\nhttp://www.healingwell.com/library/allergies/kaemmerer6.asp\n\nSensory Integration issues also contribute to hyperactive behavior:\nhttp://www.sensoryint.com/\n\nADHD is a MEDICAL condition...in spite of all the debate. And, I can tell you from personal experience that without the right doctor, his treatment can be messed up very quickly.  Your parent(s) need to ask around...find parents of kids with ADHD, and ask them about whether they are happy with their child's current medical treatment for it. Remember that they will run into people who have been burned so badly by inept doctors that they won't medicate their child, no matter what (instead, their kids are in constant trouble at school, not academically achieving like they could be, and may not have many friends). We went through five different pediatricians until we finally found someone who was really able to help our son.\n\nIf the doctor feels that your brother may benefit from medication, your parents may have to go through trials of different medicines and dosages before they find something that works for him. Always keep in mind that medication is a tool...if something is making him sick from side effects, or he's groggy all the time, or it's just not working, they need to go back to the doctor and insist that dosages and/or medication types be changed. If you're lucky, the first medication prescribed will work wonders. \n\nOr your parents and the doctor together may decide not to start trying medication until he's older...the doctor will have management and parenting tips for them.\n\nIf the doctor diagnoses ADHD, they need to take a written letter (not a prescription) from the doctor to your school district's special education office (YES, even at age 3 or 4, you can get specialized services free through your school system). This will get them started on getting him specialized help, including a school social worker who can help them find good community resources, therapies, and specialized preschool programs that have teachers who are highly trained in helping your brother start to build good school skills early.\n\nHere are some additional links to help:\n\nhttp://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/adhd.htm\nhttp://www.genetics.ucla.edu/labs/nelson/adhd.htm\nhttp://www.chadd.org/\nhttp://www.adhd.com/family/index.jsp
591950
Well im assuming these drs are allergy drs or are they reg. drs? I have alot of allergies one includes milk. I just had a baby 7 mths ago and she is not allowed any cows milk till shes one to make sure she is not allergic to it too and that is what my allergist told me to do. If you are breast feeding i would stay away from the dairy to make sure that your baby doesnt get an allergy to dairy as well. Even though i am highly allergic to milk i still eat very little maybe once a week things that have milk in them and it doesnt bother me. When i feel like im having a allergic reaction i just take my meds so that it doesnt get too bad. If you would like a third opinion on it go see an allery speciallist and they can tell you what would be good for you and your baby. Good Luck
734598
Nut allergies can be life-threatening so moderation is not a solution.\n\nIt's the protein in the nuts that is the issue.\n\nThe immune system in people who are allergic to nuts looks at the protein in nuts as a harmful substance.  So it creates antibodies and releases histamine as a protective mechanism, this triggers allergic symptoms, anything from respiratory symptoms, gastro-intestinal distress, to even death.
540068
The best thing if you think she has allergies and she has the symptoms of allergies than more than likely she does. Take her to an allergy specialist instead of your reg. dr. cuse the allergy specialist can run test to find out everything she is allergic to and how badly she is allergic to it. And than they will tell you what would be best for your seven year old. I started havin severe allergic reactions when i was sixteen and let them go till a few mths ago when i seriously felt like i was gonna die. So i went to the allergy specialist and they ran some simple blood test and found out i was severly allergic to at least seven things and of these things i did alot of at least 3 times a week and i had to stop them completly. And they also gave me 8 prescriptions just for emergency if i ate something that i was allergic to and didnt know i would have these around just in case. Point being if she is allergic to some things that you have around the house you dont want to let it go cuse if you do than you may end up spending alot of time in the emergency room because of her allergies. Good Luck.