Two allegic reactions in a week - but what to? Ideas please

[autumnmum]

My 3 y.o. DS has had two worrying allergic reactions in the past week. First time he was eating a strawberry frozen frube and the second time he was eating an orange Calippo ice lolly. His lips, face and hands all swelled up alarmingly. First time we were on holiday in the depths of Norfolk so not knowing where the nearest dr/hospital was I gave him half an anti histamine. After 40 mins he returned to normal. Today we were near our local hospital when it happened so I took him to A and E so a doctor could see what was happening. They gave him some Piriton and have told me not to give him frozen lollies (?) and to give him Piriton if it happened again. Calippo and Frubes don't really share any similar ingredients (apart from sugar!). DS is not allergic to anything else I am aware of. Childhood eczema runs in the family, DH has hay fever and both DH and DD are allergic to penicillin.

It's very worrying and I wondered if anyone out there had had something similar happen. I am wondering if it is something in the packaging rather than the foodstuff.

Thanks for the advice about the NICE guidelines. DS isn't allergic to cow's milk or anything else I am aware of. i think I'll take him to the GP next week and talk to her about it. It's very worrying when your child looks like he's had really bad plastic surgery on his lips!

It sounds crazy - but it is possible to get an allergic reaction just to the cold (eg here ), so maybe the advice you were given to avoid frozen lollies wasn't so barmy?

Or maybe there is an additive that they share?

Thanks for the tip off re calippo's and CMP - I'm sure they used to be fine. Will make sure I double check before giving them to DD1 again.

additive? yes maybe. My DS allergic to tomato ketchup but not tomato and it was suggested maybe something in there additive wise.

Strawberry and orange may be allergens?

We were told to monitor reactions to extreme temperature changes so I guess it can happen. Also excercise can induce a reaction. Something to do with how the allergen gets digested when exercise occurs.

Agree with seeing the GP. Stand firm and ask for referral.

Best of luck.

Thanks for all the kind replies. My GP was great and has refered him to an allergy clinic. The appointment is at the end of October. If we find a cause I'll let you know. Lukewarmamma you may well be right it has been suggested that it may be cold urticaria which is pretty weird.

Thought I would update this thread. We had our appointment with the allergy clinic today and met with a fantastic doctor. As suspected by previous posters my DS has been diagnosed with cold urticaria. Not common, but very easy to test for ( ice cube on the arm). DS has had to have some blood tests to rule out some auto immune diseases that can cause this reaction, but fingers crossed the tests will be negative. Treatment is large doses of anti-histamine and depending on his reaction to the weather this winter he may have to take it daily for the duration of the season. However, we are at least in the good position of knowing what the cause of his reaction is.

Thanks for all your helpful advice.