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Allergies and intolerances

DS had skin prick testing today

6 replies

MetalMummy · 22/01/2008 22:07

DS1 has been for skin prick testing today and we have had some unexpected results. He had rast tests done last March and the results for that were that he was allergic to wheat, milk, eggs and very mildly to peanuts. After an elimination diet we concluded that he was actually only allergic to wheat and milk (these allergies set his eczema off and it can take 2-4 days for this to happen, he doesn't have anaphylactic reactions to them).
In October last year he started to have allergic reactions to other things. His eyes would swell quite badly and we had no idea what to, he had reactions to baked beans, apple and strawberry puree and prawns all of which caused swelling of his lips and mouth. So GP referred him to Leicester Royal Infirmary and we've been today.

The test today showed a negative result for wheat and milk but the Doctor said that this was probably because they were allergies that set his eczema off not anaphylaxis. He was negative for grasses and tree pollens which we were really surprised about because he has had hayfever for the last 2 years and it started both times when the tree blossom flowered. He was negative for strawberry, apple and tomato all of which he has had skin reactions to in the past.
He has tested positive to dust mites, peanuts and shellfish. They were quite strong positive results so they have given him an epipen , this was totally unexpected.
The doctor said that if the peanut allergy has become more severe it could explain his reaction to baked beans because they are both legumes, so absolutely no baked beans or peanuts from now on and he's never had them but now he can't have lentils either. He has got to go back in 2 months and I've got to take some beans so they can use them to do skin prick testing on him and in about 3 months he will have a peanut challenge and a couple of months after that a shellfish challenge.
The allergy clinic are now also taking over management of his asthma from the GP too because he has been quite bad this Winter.

Sorry this was a bit long but I'm still trying to get my head round it

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tatt · 23/01/2008 07:16

sounds like he may have both allergies and intolerances. They affect the body in different ways and intolerances don't show on skin prick tests. Has he had any blood tests? You might want to have him tested to see if he's coeliac if he has a problem with wheat but he'd have to be eating it for a while first (see other threads). Neither skin prick or blood tests are conclusive only food challenges.

My child who is allergic to nuts can eat most brands of beans but not C&B. They have a problem with soy milk but not soy flour. I think they have a problem with lentils. You may find he develops problems with tree nuts, sesame, lupine and pine nut as proteins are similar. If he's under 5 he may outgrow the allergies.

Fruit allergies are rarely serious as the proteins break down easily.

I know all this is very daunting but take comfort from those of us with older children - who are still managing to have a life

When my child isn't well they test more positive. I believe this is a result of dehydration. I'd urge you to give him probiotics to boost his immune system and to make sure he drinks a lot. You can source dairy free probiotics on the internet.

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MetalMummy · 23/01/2008 11:26

He had blood tests last March which said he was allergic to wheat, milk, eggs and very very mildly to peanuts. Obviously the peanut allergy is now worse but the egg allergy is gone.

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brimfull · 23/01/2008 12:27

metalmummy-good news about the egg.My ds' egg allergy has improved,he had a food challenge and is now only intolerant of it.

Also ds's asthma has improved sooo much since starting singulair,a daily tablet.It dampens the allergic response that causes the asthma .Doesn't work for everyone but it has seriously changed his life for the better.Since starting he hasn't needed any nebulizers/oral steroids or been in hospital.The clinic may suggest this.Ds was given it through gp/asthma nurse.
Anyway I just thought I'd mention it has it was such a godsend to us.
My ds is allergic to tree nuts ,we're due for retesting in February,he hasn't been seen for 3 yrs due to constant postponing of out appts.He's 5 now and we are praying he may have outgrown some.

I would secind tatt in saying that you'll get used to the epipen ,it is very reassuring to have it.

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mymama · 23/01/2008 12:42

Your ds may have outgrown his wheat and dairy allergy since last March. My ds tested positive to wheat, dairy, egg, fish and peanuts at 9 months. He outgrew his wheat allergy in 8 months and his dairy allergy in 18 months. He is slowly outgrowing his egg allergy over the past 3 years and can now eat things with egg in but not eggy bread or omelettes iyswim. In September he tested negative for peanuts and had an oral challenge following week which he passed. We don't feed him peanuts now and he doesn't like them but we don't need to worry anymore.

I remember when ds was first tested and I cried all the way to the car. Within a few months we settled down and it became a part of life.

Second tatt with the probiotics. They do help.

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chloesmumtoo · 23/01/2008 17:33

Sorry to hear its so complicated. Us too. dd is allergic to greenbeans,kiwi,banana,maize,sweetcorn, anaphylactic to peanuts,dustmite allergy and the grass pollens. Im sure I have forgotten some ah yes all peppers and so we stay off chilli too. she also suffers eczema and asthma. Hives and itching,so half the time we do not know what is causing what. Very complicated. I am real happy though as we too have some tests comming up soon, we have waited so long. I hope to find out the truth on some stuff finally.

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wb · 23/01/2008 20:55

Sorry to hear that its not proving straight forward for you.

FWIW the tests aren't always predictive. My ds had a negative skin prick test for dairy, coupled w. a very low RAST result (0.6) but reacted immediately to a teaspoon of milk during his challenge last August. It was a minor reaction but v. clear (hives).

Everybody was v. surprised except me (I sat there muttering 'I told you he was allergic')

Anyway, if in doubt, I suggest you insist they do a challenge. Then at least if a reaction does occur you are in the best place possible.

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