Well, we just found out yesterday evening that our 2 year old has a peanut and shell fish allergy.
I don't think it sank in until my husband told me to start researching today. To this date, we have never watched what he ate. We have eaten at almost every fast food restaurant. Now, I am stumped. He has had frequent ear infections and eczema most of his life. These are the reasons we decided to have him tested. Now, I have hit a wall. Again, this has really sunk in and I have so many questions, but my Dr's office is closed today. UGH! He did say to avoid peanuts and shell fish but I didn't ask to what extent.
They did a test on his back. It was two little plastic contraptions that had 8 tests on each. She kind of pressed it into his back. He had a reaction to both the peanut and the shell fish. For reasons unknown, I guess I didn't really take it seriously. Maybe because we have never had any issues with food.
After just a little research, I have questions for my Dr. Unfortunately, they will have to wait until tomorrow. Here is what I have so far... (Are there other questions, that I should be asking my Dr.?)
*Should he avoid peanuts as an ingredient only or as traces of peanuts?
*How do you determine the level of severness?
*How do you deal with eating out?
With all of the food his has eaten, I am sure he has come in contact with peanuts. So, I don't know how to proceed...
I know Ruth or Jen will answer as well, and likely more articulatly- but my first thought is- If he never reacted to these foods he may have had a false positive on the testing. Allergy testing is not 100% accurate and the only "true test" is an actual reaction.
Did you see an allergist or your pediatrician? I would make a follow up appointment with the allergist to ask your questions. We had a RAST (or blood test) done with my younger son, so we had to wait for the results. I used that "wait" time to compile 3 pages (literally) of questions for our allergist!