Toddlers allergies seem to be getting worse and I'm panicking- please help!

[MakeMeSausages]

DD is 3.5yrs. She is allergic to CMP, soya, corn/maize, citrus, pineapple, and sunflower seeds. She has also never had nuts or seafood as we have been told she will probably react to them.

Until now her reactions have been 'slow-onset' - colitis and painful reflux (possible Eosinophilic Oesophagitis), and some congestion / rashyness / general unwellness.

However, on Saturday we had some pomgranate (which she has had before with no problems) but she seemed to have a very sudden reaction -swollen painful lips, and a horrible cough - she was unable to breath for coughing. It was terrifying and I was about to call an ambulance when I remembered we had some piriton in the cupboard (bought 'just in case'). I gave her a dose as per the box and the effect was immediate - the cough stopped instantly - I've never seen anything like it! I kept a VERY close eye on her afterwards but she seemed fine, bit tired the next day but otherwise OK.

Her GP is now referring her to an allergy specialist. We haven't seen one before as her symptoms have previously been slow and related to her digestive system, so she sees a gastric specialist (who is bloody brilliant!) and a dietician.

GP also suggested we keep piriton with us all the time.

So, please could I ask for some advice? Has anyone else had reactions suddenly get worse like this, are all her reactions likely to get worse now? How do you explain multiple food exclusions to a toddler, without frightening them? Does anyone know of some good childrens books on the subject we could read together? How can I understand more about this - any good allergy books or websites for me? What will the allergy specialist do? Any wisdom would be welcome - it all seems a bit overwhelming at the moment, as you can probably tell!!

I had some great advice on here when DD was a baby and I was trying to get my concerns taken seriously and get her diagnosed, but suddenly I feel like I'm struggling all over again. I understood what we were dealing with before but this sudden reaction has really thrown me.

TIA

I am bumping this for you Makeme

Maybe repost in chat and you'll get more traffic?

I would always encourage you to call an ambulance if you are unsure as sometimes the allergic reaction can continue after the antihistamines wear off. To be on the safe side, it is often best to get medical attention anyway.

I realise hw scary this must be- I am allergic to wasp, bees and horseflies. I also get idiosyncratic reactions to some drugs- I react in an opposite or unusual manner. Codeine makes me anaphylactic- even handling the tablets brings my hands out in Urticaria and the itching drives me batty.

The allergy specialist will take a history first. This is key- get the assessment right and everything else will follow.

I do urge you to google local support groups too. Other parents are your goldmine here regarding info on books and help guides suitable for your childs age.

Good luck!

You might find this group helpful

Hello again.

Kudzugirl yes I stayed up all night watching her, but this experience made me realise that I don't know as much about first aid for allergic reactions as I need to. DH and I have both done paediatric first aid courses but allergic reactions weren't covered in much detail at all.

Thanks for the suggestion re local support groups, I'll have a google. I'm glad to hear the allergy specialist will focus on her history first. I've kept lots of notes since she was born as I've always felt she has lots of odd little symptoms as well as the more obvious ones.

NAPLB thank you for that link, very useful.

I imagine we may have to wait a while to see an allergist...

A first aid course is a great idea Make and asking about the physiology of an allergic response and anaphylaxis. Understanding what is actually happening will help you keep calm should it happen again.

OP, what type of a gastric specialist do you see? My DD has multiple allergies/intolerances and they affect her digestive system more than an immediate reaction, so I'm wondering whether it may be worthwhile for use to see a gastric specialist too?

Hi ArtFine. DD sees a paediatric gastroenterologist. She was referred to her as she had an infection when she was a baby (which possibly led to her allergies). She also sees a dietician.

We have an appointment with the allergist at the end of the month. In the meantime, DD seems to be under the weather at the moment. She's congested with a bit of a cough, dark circles around her eyes and very tired (snoring heavily at night). I'm wondering if it's (yet another) cold or whether it might be due to another allergy, maybe pollen, as it's been going on a while but she doesn't actually seem 'ill'...something else to discuss with the allergist I suspect.