Peanut allergies and anaphylaxis

[pixiemum2]

Hi ladies,

My DD has just been diagnosed with a peanut allergy which I picked up about 5 months ago when she had peanut butter. Her face broke out in hives. No breathing problems or swelling.

I was just wondering if the reactions get worse with each exposure or if they stay the same? I was wondering what her chance of anaphylaxis would be.

Bec

[missie_mack]

It differs from person to person.... having asthma as well as the food allergy can lead to anaphylaxis too

[canberramomma]

I'd get her to an allergist (preferably one with pediatric experience).

DS had similar symptoms and was exposed twice. The second time was more severe than the first, but as the exposure was only external, I don't know if he has anaphylaxic reactions to ingestion. The allergist seems to think it's likely, though.

DS also has eczema and asthma. The asthma showed up about 12 months ago.

I have recently gone to the doctor and demanded an Epi-pen in case he does have and attack. Medicare won't cover it unless the child has been admitted with an ana episode, but I wasn't aware I could purchase one until a few weeks ago. I feel better prepared than just having anti-histamines in my bag.

Good luck. Allergies can be very scary!

[pixiemum2]

She was diagnosed by a paediatric allergist. She had a skin prick test. She was also prescibed an epi-pen. I was told by the doc that two epi-pens per year are subsidised (around $30 each) but after that you have to pay full price at $180 each. I just picked up mine from the chemist ($30). She has never had an anaphylactic reaction.

[Lukeysmummy]

Hi PM2

The reaction each person has to an allergen can be different. I have been told that reactions can worsen with each subsequent exposure.....:(.

My DS has multiple allergies, but recently tested negative to peanuts for the first time (we have always know he was allergic so he has never had contact with peanuts). He was admitted to hospital for an oral peanut challenge where he was fed varying amounts of peanut butter over 4 hours (a bit on his lip, a bit in his mouth, followed by 1/4 teaspoon swallowed).

He did not react in hospital and we breathed a sigh of relief and went home with instructions to feed him a little peanut butter daily to ensure the allergy did not re-surface. On the second time he was given peanut butter at home he had a reaction:confused:. I have been told that this is something that can happen.......sometimes the body can handle the allergen 1-2 times before reacting. My DSs negative scratch test was most probably a false negative, but just shows you that people react in different ways. We were also warned that his reactions could worsen with subsequent exposures or increased amount of allergens ingested. So definitely a chance that anapylaxis could develop.

[Hokey Pokey]

You really won't know until next time.. you could go and have tests done and if the allergies are severe enough (interferes with breathing etc) your dr may pescribe an epi pen incase next time is an anaphylaxic reaction.

My DD is anaphylaxic to ant bites, and we are yet to find out how she goes with other insects...

[Hokey Pokey]

And we were also told next time will most likely be worse and she won't ever grow out of it, unlike "allergies" where there is a high possibility that you can.