Food allergy in baby - how to properly assess

[TiffanyToothache]

Hi

My DS is 1 very soon and we have been aware of allergic reactions to a number of foods since weaning - namely cow's milk, soya, eggs, banana. Immediate reactions - itchy skin rashes, redness of the face and he made a sort of throat clearing noise as if he had an itchy throat. Requiring piriton.

He was seeing a paediatrician anyway as he has reflux too. When he had his allergic rxns we saw our GP who wrote to our paed and requested a view. The paed told me they do not offer testing as it is unreliable. Diagnosis is made from a history. He referred us to a dietician. Saw dietician today, 4 months after her advice would have been useful. She has suggested a 'challenge' by offering yoghurt, then cheese, then UHT milk.

however

lurking on here and found the NICE guidance. Am now confused as to whether he should have skin prick or blood testing, and concerned about doing a challenge test.

What are your thoughts or experiences please?

Would you ask for referral to a paediatric allergy clinic?

If your DS had any indication of problems in his throat, which he did with the trying to clear his throat, then he should definitely be referred to an allergy specialist and have skin prick tests and blood tests. From my experience of general paediatricians, and other people's comments on here, they are not experienced enough to be telling you to do food challenges without any testing. Testing is very good at recognising potential anaphylactic reactions, and if all is negative they may advise a hospital food challenge rather than a home one. If you say where abouts you are then others will happily advise of a good paediatric allergy specialist to get your GP to refer to. They can refer you anywhere in the country that you ask to be referred to, it's just about conveniece for you too. HTH. Good luck.

Thank you for your comments. I am in the north west. I think Manchester Children's is likely to be the closest.

Unfortunately am used to being a 'pushy mum' - my other DS has ASD.