Little Munchkin's Allergy Update

I have recently decided to have my son tested for a few things before he commencing kindergarten. Some things that came to mind were shellfish, kiwi fruit, coconut and mango. Our allergist was confident that he would not have any reactions to any of these products, as there is no particular link from eggs and nuts to these mentioned foods. I believe that a mother’s intuition can sometimes prove to be the best indicator above any other source.

The testing began and the method used was a skin prick test. We waited for 10 minutes for a reaction. He seemed to be getting a little red but it didn’t seem to be anything to be concerned about. The allergist decided to wait an extra 5 minutes. That extra 5 minutes made all the difference. He had a positive reaction to shellfish, kiwi fruit and coconut. I was told that all these were as harmful to him as eggs and nuts and that his anaphylaxis plan needed to be updated.

Our Allergist stated that if I ever had that same intuition to anything else to always follow it and request testing.

It’s a little heartbreaking that a mother’s intuition was proven to be correct in this case. It is not news we want to hear. However, we can never be too careful when it comes to anaphylaxis. Better to be safe than sorry.

The Chicken or the Egg? or the Vaccination?

Ok, we have at one stage asked the chicken or the egg? which one came first?

Well... I still do not know the answer to that question but am faced with another more concerning. My son is allergic to egg (anaphylactic), I always have to be careful in reading ingredients and making sure that he does not have anything with egg in it. My concerns are always "does anything have egg in it?" apparently it should also be "is anything in the egg?". I have stumbled across a very interesting and informative article. It is worth a read. I had no idea that the flu vaccine is grown in chicken eggs and may contain tiny traces of egg protein.

MORE EVIDENCE FLU SHOT IS SAFE FOR THOSE WITH EGG ALLERGIES

Products we love... Just Yummy Chocolate Viennese Biscuits

All the products that we love and recommend are all suitable for those whom are allergic to eggs, nuts and fish. In saying this, please always read the labels when you purchase as sometimes ingredients and formulas can change. 

Just Yummy Chocolate Viennese Biscuits 

Finally his not missing out. This is a really nice biscuit

Products We Love... Schar Gluten free Salti Cracker

All the products that we love and recommend are all suitable for those whom are allergic to eggs, nuts and fish. In saying this, please always read the labels when you purchase as sometimes ingredients and formulas can change. 

Schar Salti Crackers

This is a really nice egg free cracker that is also gluten free and nut free.

Australia's Allergy Epidemic. Every Second Counts

This is a very informative article and a must read.

Everyone should be aware that we are facing a major epidemic when it comes to allergies.

Every Second Counts. Fighting the Epidemic

The Bag that will save my son's life

Emergency bag with instructions and medications

There is only one thing I always need to make sure to bring along with us, no matter how short the journey. Thats our emergency bag!




Have your child’s doctor complete a Food Allergy Action Plan (FAAP), providing clear instructions on how to treat an allergic reaction, and distribute copies to school officials. A blank FAAP is available for download.


Teach all those who care for your child not to hesitate to use an epinephrine auto-injector, such as EpiPen®. Studies show that the sooner epinephrine is administered during an anaphylactic reaction, the better the outcome will be. EpiPen® trainers, auto-injector devices that do not have a needle or medication in them, are available through FAAN to help you and others practice using an epinephrine auto-injector.

Breastfeeding linked to Nut Allergy Story

I came across this article regarding babies, breastfeeding and nut allergies.


Breastfeeding Linked to Nut Allergy Story

Products I Love......Billie Goat Soap

It is such a great thing when you come across a product that makes life so much easier and works for you. Since my little munchkin had been diagnosed with his allergies I have had to make a great deal of effort to ensure that I read all labels and ingredients list to be safe of any allergens. I recently thought that I will start posting products that I LOVE. My first one is Billie Goat Soap. It has been so good for my son and his eczema. Not only has this product prevented him from suffering eczema it has also assisted in clearing existing eczema. Please have a look at the following link to find out more information and stockists.


Billie Goat Soap

Testing Procedures For Allergies

There are a few tests available to indicate weather a child has specific allergies. These tests are able to determine what substance(s) are causing an allergy.

These tests can include:

•    Skin prick tests 

Selected allergens are applied to the forearm or the back with a dropper, and the skin

gently pricked with a needle. A positive result shows as a red weal or flare on the skin

within 20 minutes.

•    Allergen-specific IgE blood tests (RAST) 

These tests are useful when skin testing is not possible or is inconclusive. A blood sample

is taken and the level of an immunoglobulin associated with allergic reaction (allergen

specific IgE) is measured in a laboratory.

•    Elimination diets and challenge testing 

An elimination diet is used to isolate foods that may be causing an allergic reaction. This

usually takes a number of weeks and involves avoiding foods identified as common causes

of food allergy. No foods or fluids may be consumed other than those specified. If

symptoms improve, foods are added one at a time until symptoms recur (this is known as

‘challenge testing’). Usually, a diary is kept to record any symptoms so they can be linked

to the correct food. This procedure must only be performed under medical supervision.

•    Patch tests 

Are most commonly used to investigate contact dermatitis. Common triggers include

fragrances (for example, in soaps). Patches are applied to the back in adhesive strips. The

area is examined after two and four days. A positive result shows as redness or blisters at

the site of a particular substance.

After an allergy test

After the test, you can expect:

•    If you have a skin prick test, your doctor will examine you for signs of an allergic reaction

    after 20 minutes.

•    Patch tests require further visits at two and four days after they are applied.

•    The results of blood tests may take up to a week to be known.

•    An elimination and challenge diet may take many weeks to provide results.

False reactions can occur with any test, so results need to be assessed with your clinical symptoms. Once the offending allergen or allergens are identified, you should try to avoid or reduce exposure to them in future.

Possible complications

Some people with allergies experience severe reactions when exposed to particular allergens. For example, the red weals associated with skin prick tests can be painful, inflamed and irritated.

Some reactions, such as anaphylaxis, is potentially life threatening. It is important that allergy tests are performed by a qualified health professional that can anticipate and treat any allergic reactions you may have.

The Term Anaphylaxis

The term anaphylaxis is derived from the Greek words ana - (up, back, again) and phylaxis - (guarding, protection, immunity). The term came about in 1902, when a second vaccinating dose of sea anemone toxin caused a dog's death.

Food Allergy & Food Intolerance

Allergy is an immune response

Allergies are an overreaction of the body’s immune system to a specific part of food. In most cases it is usually in the proteins. These proteins may be from foods, house dust, pollens, moulds or animal hair. They are called allergens. The word allergy means that the immune system has responded to a harmless substance like as if it were toxic. In my little munchkin’s case it is the proteins in both egg white and egg yolk that affect him. It is also possible for people to be allergic to egg white and not be allergic to the egg yolk. The reasons for this are due to the proteins. The proteins are completely different in the yolk as it is to the egg white.

On the other hand, food intolerance is a chemical reaction that some people may have after eating certain foods. This is not an immune response. Food intolerance can be associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and chronic fatigue syndrome. It is much more common for people to suffer from food intolerance than it is to suffer from food allergy.

Common causes of food allergy

Eggs, dairy, soy and nuts cause 90% of food allergies. Peanut allergy being the most common in older children.

The following are the common causes of food allergy.

·               Eggs

·               Peanuts & other nuts

·               Dairy

·               Sesame

·               Gluten

·               Fish

·               Soy

·               Molluscs (mussels, clams, oysters, octopus & squid)

·               Crustaceans (lobster, prawn, crab, shrimp)

·               Food Additives like MSG, benzoates, salicylates and sulphite.

The following are the common causes of food intolerances

·               Chocolate

·               Dairy

·               Egg white

·               Food additives

·               Food enhancers MSG

·               Citrus foods

·               Tomatoes

·               Wine (mainly red wine)

·               Histamines & amines found in some foods

Testing should always be done to find the allergen causing symptoms.

My Scone Recipe

Scones

Makes about 12.

Ingredients

3 cups of self-raising flour

Pinch of salt

1 cup of cream

1 cup of lemonade

1.                Sift self-raising flour and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the centre and slowly pour in cream and lemonade.

2.             With a spatula mix the mixture until it all comes together. Lightly flour surface and place dough on surface. Knead gently until smooth without over kneading.

3.             Using a medium scone cutter, cut into rounds. Arrange close together on baking tray with baking paper.

4.             Bake in the oven on 220c for 12 – 15 minutes or until golden. Serve with jam and cream or fresh fruit.