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Original poster

Could DS be allergic to strawberries?

44 replies

mummynoseynora · 25/02/2011 22:03

Ok - bear with me, I am rather crap at explanations...

DS is 13months. He has only ever had strawberries twice - sheer fluke really.

The first time was on his first birthday in the afternoon, that night he was violently projectile vomiting for about 2 hours followed by being unable to keep water down for another few Sad we spoke to nhs direct at the time to check we were doing the right things with looking after him - I suspected the strawberries, but it being his birthday it could have been a multitude of things really....

The second time was today - I have held off as been unsure since the first incident, but lots of people told me it probably wasn't an issue etc etc - so decided to give them another go.... he didn't want the strawberries today - so I did the same tactic I used to do with new fruits with my dd... cut up tiny and mixed into yoghurt... he only ate a few pieces before he worked out what it was and started spitting them out. This was about 1.30 / 2pm today
about 6 I was getting him ready for bath and saw he had a rash all over really - worse around elbows (quite raised and lumpy) but little spots on and off over arms / legs / tummy / back / bum - and a few on his chin

he has been unsettled this evening and hasn't settled for the evening properly yet - gave him neurofen 30 mins ago and covered all the spots in sudacrem as thats all we have - could it be the strawberries again?

Waiting for an nhsdirect callback at the mo and don't know anything else we can do for him

OP posts:
belledechocchipcookie · 25/02/2011 22:05

Yes. Don't feed him strawberries. Have you given him any piriton/antihistamines?

freshmint · 25/02/2011 22:06

sounds like it and they are known to be allergenic
second the piriton suggestion
his reaction will be worse with each exposure. You need to go to your GP on monday for advice. Good luck!

Original poster
mummynoseynora · 25/02/2011 22:06

no we don't have any - thought for little ones it has to be prescribed? Are docs likely to test to confirm this ?

OP posts:
Original poster
mummynoseynora · 25/02/2011 22:07

brb he's crying again.

OP posts:
belledechocchipcookie · 25/02/2011 22:08

You can buy it over the counter, they do a child one for over 1 years. Can you send someone out to pick some up from the 24 hour supermarket?

blinks · 25/02/2011 22:10

defo anti-histamine.

any problems with his breathing/tongue or mouth swelling?

UnseenAcademicalMum · 25/02/2011 22:11

Piriton can be bought over the counter at 12 months+, though expect the pharmacist might check his age.

Strawberries are a common allergen (as are kiwis). Keep an eye out for other allergies as they often don't come only in 1's and avoid strawberies. Tbh, the GP may not be a lot of help as they are often typically clueless where allergies are concerned.

Original poster
mummynoseynora · 25/02/2011 22:11

no so far, he just can't get comfy and settle. tbh this is a better reaction than the first time but he's had far less... literally maybe 1/4 of a strawberry max

OP posts:
UnseenAcademicalMum · 25/02/2011 22:13

If he's still having a reaction and the symptoms are internal i.e. difficulty breathing, excessive salivation, tongue swelling call 999 immediately.

Original poster
mummynoseynora · 25/02/2011 22:13

If I ask for him to be referred for testing am I likely to have to fight for it? I am prepared to of course, but much better if I am expecting it

OP posts:
Original poster
mummynoseynora · 25/02/2011 22:14

no internal symptoms so far unseen... how long should the reaction last? just sent dh out for piriton

OP posts:
belledechocchipcookie · 25/02/2011 22:15

You need to avoid it in the future, even a small amount could cause a reaction. You need to get him some piriton.

Original poster
mummynoseynora · 25/02/2011 22:17

piriton is en route hopefully. the thing thats confusing me is he's fine with strawberry fromage frais / yoghurts - but i guess they are flavouring rather than real?

sorry for typos he's here now!

OP posts:
UnseenAcademicalMum · 25/02/2011 22:17

Some GPs will be reluctant. However, testing may not really give you much more information than you already know i.e. he is allergic. The only real "treatment" for allergy is avoid the allergen. In a milder case, carry piriton everywhere with you just in case.

Original poster
mummynoseynora · 25/02/2011 22:20

thanks all, is this reaction likely to fade any time soon without the piriton ? am hoping supermarket pharmacy is still open!

OP posts:
UnseenAcademicalMum · 25/02/2011 22:24

Sorry, I should clarify the last statement. I meant in milder cases, carry piriton, in more severe cases an epipen may be required, but this doesn't sound like an epipen would be necessary.

Reactions can vary in length and severity though, so it is difficult to know how long it will last. My two will tend to projectile vomit with all but their most severe allergens (and ds2 will projectile vomit at someone else eating cheese in the room - dairy allergy). Vomiting is probably good (though it may not seem that way) in that they get rid of the allergen and lessen the reaction.

Original poster
mummynoseynora · 25/02/2011 22:24

its closed!!

OP posts:
Original poster
mummynoseynora · 25/02/2011 22:26

damnit he's not vomitting tonight... think i'll have to ring nhsdirect rather than wait the callback as need to find pharmacy!

OP posts:
UnseenAcademicalMum · 25/02/2011 22:36

Please try not to panic. It sounds like he's OK. The reaction will go down on its own without piriton. Keep an eye out for the symptoms mentioned earlier and if you see those, get immediate help. Otherwise, lots of cuddles till he feels better.

Original poster
mummynoseynora · 25/02/2011 22:40

he's still up and down like a yoyo - can't seem to get comfortable laying down - spoke to peeps at nhsdirect and its going to be 1hr 15mins before I speak to a nurse.... sigh - a long night here then!

OP posts:
Maelstrom · 25/02/2011 22:41

Is the rash becoming milder? if so, just keep an eye on him while NHS direct ring back, he may be out of the worst part.

BlackType · 25/02/2011 22:45

Your strawberry story is the same as my DS with nuts, only it was simultaneous proj. vomiting and diarrhoea in both cases (nice!) This episode will pass, but piriton would be good for future use.

I asked for DS to be referred to the allergy clinic, and they made a complete hash of blood tests. Five years later, he was diagnosed with ASD, and the consultant said, in passing, 'oh, we can allergy test him with skin pricks if you like'. Well, blow me down. Two weeks later, we had a conclusive diagnosis of several severe allergies. Definitely worth pursuing, as your son may have others that you don't know about.

LessNarkyPuffin · 25/02/2011 22:47

Lots of people are allergic to fresh strawberries. They're not necessarily allergic to eg strawberry jam containing whole cooked strawberries.

The chances are he'll just have an uncomfortable rash.

YesPleaseDrChristian · 25/02/2011 22:50

Find out your local out of hours pharmacy and get some Piriton as suggested. You don't need to worry about cream on the spots they will fade quite quickly and is sounds like his body is dealing with it as well.

You don't need to give Nurofen or Calpol but if he becomes very distressed it might be worth taking him to the out of hours GP.

YesPleaseDrChristian · 25/02/2011 22:50

The pink colouring in Calpol is also a common allergen.