Peanut allergy- new to this!

[SarahKS]

Hi my dd has just been diagnosed with what doc called 'severe peanut allergy' (11mm wheal when skin prick tested), all other nuts no reaction, and she is sensitive to dairy so we avoid that. My question is this, what does 'severe' mean? She was not given epipen as she is only 15 months and her first reaction was not anaphylactic as far as I could see, she had hives, went very pale, swollen eyes and lips and a croaky voice, one doc told me that sounded like an anaphylactic reaction, the paediatrician said not, but if she had another reaction to give piriton and call 999 immediately. I am panicking and very paranoid since, and avoiding anywhere she may come into contact with peanuts or peanut products, like I didn't go to a child's party as I know the family eat A LOT of peanut butter and I worried there might be traces left, I am so scared at having to call 999, what if the ambulance didn't get there on time etc etc. i understand an 11mm wheal is quite a strong reaction, does this mean she is more likely to have anaphyilaxis in the future? I would appreciate some advice/experiences/reassurance from anyone who has any knowledge or experience please. TIA

[ukey]

In my opinion the croaky voice is an indication that the reaction was affecting the airway, I would ask if you could get a second opinion on this x

[ukey]

Do you carry antihistamine with her wherever you go? Also does she have asthma or a blue reliever inhaler?

Also www.peanutallergyuk.co.uk/phpBB2/ is a great place for more advice

as is

UK parents of kids with nut allergy peanuts

you can search for this on facebook

[SarahKS]

Thanks, yes we carry piriton everywhere, but she has no inhaler as she has not had any problems with asthma before. I am quite close to an allergy specialist centre and wondering if I can self refer? Does anyone know if or how to do this? We only saw peads at the hospital and I know that the dr has only recently taken on allergies as part of his role so I don't know how expert or not he is. Thanks for your help.

[ukey]

who did the SPT for her, was that not at allergy clinic?

[ukey]

www.anaphylaxis.org.uk/living-with-anaphylaxis/allergy-patients

this could also be helpful.

[SarahKS]

It was in childrens outpatients at our local hospital. They gave me a leaflet with the web and e mail of the nearest allergy centre. Thanks formthenlink, will have a look.

[neolara]

Hmmm. In your situation, I would definitely want to get hold of an epipen or two. (My dd has a peanut allergy.) I would try to get an appointment with a specialist in allergies. If that doesn't work and the doctor still wouldn't prescribe, is it possible to buy epipens privately maybe? My dd's GP told me they didn't like prescribing epipens because they cost so much - £30! In your situation, if you couldn't get a prescription for one, I would consider buying one privately as £30 well spent.