Outgrowing Food Allergies

Most children outgrow cow's milk, egg, soy and wheat allergy, even if they have a history of a severe reaction. About 20% of children with peanut allergy will outgrow it. About 9% of children with tree nut allergy will outgrow it. Your allergist can help you learn when your child might outgrow a Food Allergy.

Treatment
The best way to treat Food Allergy is to avoid the foods that trigger your allergy. Although it has been shown that just smelling peanut butter will not cause a reaction, sometimes food allergens can be airborne, especially in steam, and can cause reactions. Boiling or simmering seafood is a particular offender.

Always ask about ingredients when eating at restaurants or when you are eating foods prepared by family or friends.

Carefully read food labels. The United States and some other countries require that eight major food allergens are to be listed in common language, for example, "milk" rather than a scientific or technical term, like "casein."
Carry and know how to use injectable epinephrine and antihistamines to treat emergency reactions. Teach family members and other people close to you how to use epinephrine, and wear an ID bracelet that describes your allergy. If a reaction occurs, have someone take you to the emergency room, even if symptoms subside. Afterwards, get follow-up care from an allergist.


Healthy Tips

• The most common food allergens are the proteins in cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish and tree nuts.
• An allergist is the best qualified professional to diagnose a Food Allergy. Testing performed by an allergist often helps determine if foods are causing your symptoms.
• Some food allergies can be outgrown.
• The best treatment is to avoid the foods that cause your reaction.
• Read food labels carefully and ask about ingredients at restaurants or when eating food prepared by another person.

Reference information: www.aaaai.org, www.allergy.hk

The information aims to provide educational purpose only. Anyone reading it should consult physician before considering treatment and should not rely on the information above.