you have been asked to do an egg challenge in a hosptial setting, which is a safer environment than at home.
You need to find out if the skin prick test was for cooked or raw egg.
normally you outgrow the cooked egg allergy first .
I wonder if the big wheal was for raw egg?
They certainly dont go for a food challenge without being confidant that there is a high chance a child has outgrown this allergy.
It costs a lot to book a bed in a childrens ward , an on the safe side they always keep a bed clear in ICU on that day. Which is very rarely used.
A food challenge is still worth considering if it means that your child will have more choice in food, and that it will make a difference to thier lives.
We have been offered a food challenge for brazil nut, as its got a v. low reading, but all other tree nuts are outgrown.
We didnt think this was of any real benifits to our sons life or food choices as peanut is one of his allergies.
However we are going for a baked bean challenge next week.
The food challenge in a hospital setting will involve a canular put in a hand, which is the most upsetting part of the day. So ask for a numbing cream first and come armed with favorite comfort toys and books.
once in a bed, with tv , and show games and toys etc, you will have a nurse who will be observing your child throughout the challenge.
all vitals will be checked before and after, and at regular intervals to make sure there is no reaction.
If at any point there is, they stop.
egg is normally rubbed on side of face , then obs, then 20 min wait. then rubbed on lip, then obs then 20 min wait.
then move on to eating a food that contains a measured does of egg. then obs and waiting and so on, until a large amount of egg is eaten.
This can take all day, and all food must be eaten before they can declare the challenge result.
If your child doenst eat much food in one go, the day does get longer and longer.
I hope this is useful.