Peanut & Tree Nut Allergies

My 5 year old son was diagnosed with a peanut allergy at 1 year. He was also diagnosed with an egg allergy at the same time, he has since outgrown the egg allergy. If you have not done it already I would recommend having an allergy test done so you can know what he is allergic to so you can plan for his meals accordingly. I know most kids grow up loving p.b. and I had always felt terrible because he couldn't have it but recently we found something at Wal-Mart called Soy Butter. It is peanut/tree nut free and has the same consistency as p.b. It can be found right next to the peanut butter. He loves it, and for a child that has never had p.b. he doesn't know any different. His twin sister who is not allergic has had p.b. on only a couple occassions (when not with him) and she does not like it but she does like the Soy Butter. I will admit it is very nervewracking and especially now that we have sent him off to school. It does get easier and you do figure out ways to adjust!

We went down this road, too. A 14 months we found out our son was allergic to peanuts and most everything else.

Here are some things that I have done since we found he was allergic.

First, and foremost, get an epi-pen! Just having that with Joey all the time, gave me a little peace of mind. We get the script refilled every year (insurance pays for it), and as long as the fluid inside the pen is clear, you can continue to keep them on hand, even after a year. So, now we have them EVERYWHERE. The car, his class, his back pack, the kitchen cabinets, my purse. At least that way I know, if he does get ahold of something he shouldnt, I can help him.

Also, keep Benadryl in the house. Those single dose Benadryls are WONDERFUL.

Second thing I did, was get a medical alert bracelet. It has his name, address, my cell #, his drs name and number and lists all his food allergies.
Look here: http://www.laurenshope.com/
I cant remember the exact website I bought mine from, b/c it was so long ago, but there are plenty of sites that sell them at a reasonable price.

If he is ever separated from you, and has a reaction. It could be a lifesaver!

I also found this site: http://www.cafepress.com/allergyalert
They have cute bibs, shirts, buttons etc that all have peanut allergy alert on them.

We live in a strict peanut and nut free home. No nuts are allowed. Period.

I read every ingredient of everything I buy. After you buy things a few times, you will know which products are safe, and what arent. Although, companies can change ingredients on a whim, so you always have to give the ingredients a quick once over.

The tricky part is outside food. You never know with baked goods, pot lucks, restaurants, etc. I keep a stash of Joey-approved snacks in his back pack at all times. And whenever we goto a b-day party, I bring a Joey-approved cupcake, incase the ingredients on the cake are not available.

You will find that most people will be very understanding and accommodating when you tell them about the allergy.

As far as new foods go, take it slow. Watch for reactions. Wait a few days before you introduce something else.

After a year, have him retested. Joey's peanut level went way down in a years time. His skin test still showed a reaction...We are hopeful he will grow out of it.

Best of luck!!

As a life long allergy sufferer, can I recommend the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network. They are a WONDERFUL resource.

the more nervouse you become, the more your child will feel this and become. try hard to breathe and understand you're not the first one ( i know you know that already). i would also believe that the pediatrician has others in your son's position. ask for advice on foods from him/her.

Hi K.,
There's a good book called "The Peanut Allergy Answer Book by Michael Young M.D.

Also -- take a look www.foodallergy.org
which is the website of The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network.

They have a special tab for those Newly Diagnosed.

Great info here. The more you know -- the better you'll feel.
Lots you can do to keep your baby healthy and safe!

Good luck with everything!
L.

Buy yourself the smallest jar of different babyfood to see which one of them he likes to eat without allergic symptoms! In this way, you help him to eat more nutritiously and find out fast which one he is allergic to. You just give him a very small portion and wait for a couple of hours for any possible signs of allergic reaction. Ususally allergic reaction shows within 30 minutes or less depending severity of allergy. Check with pediatric allergist for professional advice. Perhaps get your child an allergy test at the doctor's office; and so you know sooner what to feed him without guessing.

My daughter had peanuts a number of times, and just before her 3rd birthday, she ate a peanut better pretzel nugget, and we were in the ER. It is scary, and you need to be mindful - but try not to let it consume you (I say this because I find I struggle with that)

I second all of the recommendations you have received so far: (1) Read labels carefully; (2)Try to have a peanut free home or use a sticker to easily identify items that have peanuts; (3) EpiPen Jr. & Benadryl (there are one-time dispensers handy to throw in your bag) - have it with your son wherever he goes; (4) Medi-alert bracelet: another site is www.n-styleid.com - I have purchase a few slides and a number of bracelets to keep it interesting for her to pick which one she wants to wear; (5)I also have a little laminated card that has her info as well as her allergy information - I give it to waiters and typcially, they bring it back to the chef - manytimes than I thought, a chef would come to the table and explain the menu choices to stay away from(6) Bring your own snacks to parties, etc. It broke my heart the first time I went to a party and my daughter couldn't have the birthday cake. I make every effort I can to make her not feel out of place, and the mom thought she had a peanut free cake, but the icing turned out not to be. Now, I try to find out what will be there, and I do my best to make sure I have the "same" for her - a piece of cake, cupcake, etc.

I have to tell you, the reaction she had was not mild, but it was not as bad as it could have been - I recall that ride in the ambulance everytime we are at a restaurant or place where I cannot read the label myself, and I get very nervous/upset (Not sure of the right word). But I realized that we can't fear the possibility that she will have a reaction - we just try to be confident we have all the bases covered, and all is well!

Dear K.

Fortunately, all foods are required to list ingredients. Most labels will even tell you if the product has been prepared in a factory where peanut products are made. I wouldn't worry about trying new foods. I own a childcare center in which we provide all meals and have many kids who have peanut allergies so I have to be extremely cautious when I do the shopping and prepare the menus. Just read all labels and your little one will be safe. One tip as he grows make sure to show him what he can and can not eat. It amazed me how my three year old students tell me I can't have peanuts Miss D.. This will help them to be their own advocate in situations where you may not be around. Kids are so smart they will absorb whatever you tell them. Just a little tip. Good luck!!

Hi K.
Go to your local health food store.
They can help you with the allergy diet, but also give you ideas to help with your fears, and his nutrition.
Mine all had severe allergies and that is who helped me.
God bless you and all you do
K. SAHM married 38 years -- 4 adult children 37, 32, and twins 18. All are successful and deal with their allergies. The younger you catch the problem the easier it is for them to cope.

Just read the package of everything and don't keep anything in the house that is contaminated. I would be careful especially when you go to restaurants. Most don't use peanuts but most do use tree nuts, and they do not do much anything to make sure other food doesn't get contaminated. Also, when your son goes on play dates or is babysat for, you must explain to the whoever's watching him how to use the epipen and how nuts are in almost everything, because someone with out an allergy in there daily lives is not going to realize that.

Hi K.:

I know it can be very scary, but it can be managed easily. My son was diagnosed with a peanut allergy at 14 months old. Someone gave him a peanut butter cracker without my permission and his lips swelled up. He is now 8 years old and we have not had any troubles since that incident. You just need to be careful about reading ingredients on boxes very thoroughly. These days almost everything has allergy notes in the ingredient sections. Once your child reaches school age, it becomes a different story, but if you have a diligent school administration, things will be fine.

Restaurants are also an issue, but usually you can speak to the chef and find out of there are any peanuts/nuts in his kitchen. Other than maybe Chinese Food Restaurants, most places do not use peanut oil, but you should ask anyway.

You will also need to carry an epipen with you, and make sure that your son has one with him at all times. It is also important to keep benadryl on hand. These items should accompany him on playdates and the host should be informed on how to use one in case of an emergency.

It can be very daunting, but if you take control you will be fine. Best of luck to you and your little one. Don't panic, just stay aware.

C.

My son was diagnosed at the same age after a severe reaction to peanut butter (he touched it). It is common. My advice is first to start reading packages. There are so many things out there he can have. Family members should be notified so that anything that comes into your home (or when you go to theirs) is nut free. My experience is that most people are understanding and happily comply. Schools are understanding and even most day care places. There are nut free cake recipes and alternatives. Do you have an Epi Pen Jr yet? Physicians usually prescribe immediately. I ALWAYS carry a set, as well as Benadryl at all times. I leave them at his school as well.

By time he realizes he has an allergy he will be so attuned to his allergy, he will know to ask "does this have peanuts or tree nuts?" My son is now a healthy and happy 5 yo in public school. Good luck!

LJ

Here are some allergy support groups that you may find helpful.

www.kidswithfoodallergies.org
www.allergysupport.org
www.aafa.org (Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America)
www.foodallergy.org (Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network)

All the best,
H.