Anyone have a child with a nut allergy? - advice please

[BarbieGirl]

My DS has been showing signs of having a nut allergy, i.e, vomitting after eating nuts, mouth swollen he also suffers with eczema (not sure of the relevence) aswell.

Can I ask those of you with nut allergies - what were/are your symptoms after eating nuts???

My GP recommended I contact his Dermatologist for allergy testing ASAP.

Anyone?

It's just I am paranoid about what to give him to eat.

Definitely avoid nuts.

I'm surprised GP didn't refer you to an allergist directly. Surely they should with something as potentially serious as nut allergy. I'd be tempted to go back and push for it that way.

we have one dd with a nut allergy but she's never had a reaction because we have avoided nuts religiously - we only know that she is allergic through a test.

I even gave up my own serious nut habit so there were none in the house.

My DS is already under a Dermatlogist about his Eczema. He is well overdue a check up so My GP said I would be better off contacting the Dermatologist directly (via her Secretary) to save time with the referral. He said if he referred DS he would have to see a Paedatrician first then the Dermatologist so easier and quicker just to go straight to the Dermatologist.

Do I have to be paranoid about foods that contain traces of nuts aswell? This obviously means I have to read every single food product I buy now.?

Hallo

Sorry to hear this. But don't worry - it's a condition that can be managed. I've been allergic to nuts (all tree nuts, not peanuts) since I was little and I'm 31.

No time to post much as feeding DD but wanted to reassure you and refer you to this great charity (they'll have loads of great advice): anaphylaxis campaign

I'll try to pop back later with some tips on food labelling etc.

TheOldestCat - Thanks. I will take a look right now.

That's good the referral process is happening.

But I would say, yes in the meantime, DO be paranoid about food that contain traces of nuts to be on the safe side.

Hi again Barbiegirl

Just to second what the others have said - yes do be paranoid for now and keep pushing for a referral. There's a link on the Anaphylaxis Campaign's website giving a website for GPs that lists allergy specialists.

Not to worry you as everyone is different when it comes to allergy, but as a child I 'just' vomited and had an itchy throat and mouth when I ate nuts. The reactions got stronger as I got older and when I was 18 I had anaphylactic shock. I've carried an epi-pen since and, although I've had a few scares, I've not had to use it.

so you need to get your son referred to an allergy specialist if possible (can the dermatologist help with that?).

As for food labels, it's a tricky one. Obvously, avoid anything with nuts in it. But the 'may contain traces of uts' can mean anything from 'nut flavours may be present' to 'made in teh same factory as a cake that has nuts in it'. So it's about your attitude to risk. I will eat some things - I make the decision myself. If my DD turns out to have an allergy, I would probably err on the side of caution and avoid anything that might contain traces.

Sorry, am waffling. Hope this helps a bit.

KerryMum are you saying its only certain nuts that can cause an allergy? i.e peanuts or is it any nut?? I really don't know.

The nuts were of the mixed variety i.e. pecan, cashew, almonds, brazil and peanuts. I don't know what nut caused the allergy tbh as I was in the Kitchen when DS ate a nut and DD called me to the lounge.

And tell everyone that DS goes to eat with to avoid nuts & seeds etc.

My 5yo DD1 is allergic to peanuts - she is sick within an hour of eating them and gets some mouth swelling, it's happened twice (peanuts out in bowls at a christening & a party - so watch like a hawk). Since then we've strived to keep her nut free.

Recently she went to a friends house whose mum gave her and her own DD a bowl of mixed nuts and seeds to eat. The peanuts had their brown skins on and DD1 didn't recognise them. She was only sick but I am concerned that the more often she's exposed the worse the symptoms will become.

The mum did know btw. I also told her that DD1 had egg allergy. Last time DD1 visited they had meringue for pudding. Fortunately DD1 knows what it's made of. I am now wondering whether this mum is really stupid or really dangerous!

Thanks Everyone for your helpful replies - very much appreciated.

I will let you all know what happens tomorrow - I am phoning the Dermatologist and hopefully she will refer us to the Allergist she knows.

Good stuff, and best of luck!

Yes, best of luck from me too. Keep us posted.