New peanut allergy

I have a six year old son with a life threatening allergy to peanuts.

My knee-jerk reaction to your post is to suggest a skin test. There have been a number of stories over the last year about children who did not react to foods but had blood tests which revealed apparent food allergies, and as a result underwent significant diet changes which were later determined to be unnecessary. I would recommend visiting the allergist before you begin looking into the peanut allergy question in depth. (I would avoid peanuts until the appointment just to be safe, though; just my opinion!)

As for allergies getting worse over time, some do get worse and some disappear entirely! Difficult to say. Your best bet is to speak to the allergist. Also, keep in mind that allergies can appear at any time--even adults suddenly develop food allergies.

I am sorry I do not have any definite, solid answers. Your allergist should be able to answer all of your questions.

Good luck,
Jennifer B
www.foodallergybuzz.com

TwinsandNewFind,

As Jennifer menioned, it's really hard to give you a definitive answer.

Both blood test and skin prick tests can have false pos and false neg results. The gold standard is history of reaction.

You say he's never had a reaction, but hasn't had much peanut butter b/c he doesn't like it. It is possible that he is having an internal reaction that he is not telling you about.

My son used to spit out baked goods like cookies, cake etc. but showed no other symptoms. We used to think he was such a healthy eater-until we learned he had an egg allergy. We just thought he didn't like baked goods.

I agree with Jen-get a skin test. If that too comes up pos, I would ask for a food challenge.

Know that allergies can get worse or better. However one reaction is not an indicator of subsequent reactions. Ie. could be mild, could be severe, could be mild again.

Best of luck and let us know what the allergist says!
Ruth

Hi.

Thanks for your comments. I am having him avoid peanuts and peanut butter for now... waiting on an appointment with an allergist.

I'll keep you posted.
Kari