Is This a Reaction or a Food Intolerance?

Carolyn, I have the same problem with lentils, although it starts sooner. I always assumed it was an intolerance until I read that there is a 25% cross-reactivity rate between lentils and peanuts. I would definitely recommend seeing an allergist.

Amy

I am definately not a medical doctor but here's my thoughts. It's my understanding that there are different types of allergies (anaphylaxis, life threatning and "gut allergies"). The gut allergies (and don't quote me) are cramping, vomitting and diarrhea etc. He could have colitis (there's different kinds) which is a condition where people are intolerant of certain foods like milk, gluten (wheat, oats, barley), peanuts etc.. Once the food is ingested the person has diarrhea or cramping, which can be very severe. He should definately tell his doctor about it to get a referral.

p.s. thanks for the rice cooker idea!

Hope this helps

Connie [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

Sounds like a food allergy. The reason being: there is a severe gastrointestinal reaction going on. A food intolernace would be more like bloating and gas. Not so in this case.

This definately sounds like a food allergy.
I'm allergic to peanuts and nuts and often react this way.. altough usually as soon as i eat a product i'm not suppose to eat. It is very dangerous because next time he could go into shock.. It would be important for him to see an allergist!!

I just re-read my post and realized it sounded like I was telling you it was a food intolerance. Conditions like eosonophilic colitis (allergic colitis) or "gut allergies" are food allergies. Sorry, if I confused you. Anyways, back to the best advice, consult a doctor.

Connie [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

[This message has been edited by ScaredoftheWalnutAisles (edited January 17, 2001).]

My brother and I both thank you all very much for your responses! He has made a list of foods he has this reaction to, and it includeds "Honey Nut Cheerios" (almonds) and honey-roasted peanuts.

I advised him to make a full list of all foods he reacts to, to bring to the doctor. He's going to a walk-in clinic this Friday to try to get an allergist referral, and in the meantime, is steering clear of these types of foods.

Thanks again - I was leaning toward a food intolerance because of the length of time between ingestion and reaction. I will post again after his initial appt. (how much do you wanna bet the walk-in clinic doctor will call it 'food poisoning'...).

Your brother's reactions are alot like my son's reactions to milk. His begin anywhere from 30 minutes all the way to several hours later. Sometimes it is major diarhea (one time 30 days) and sometimes it is major bloating and gas. I know his stomach cramps are severe because he acts like he is in major pain. However, he tested negative to milk. He has experienced unexplainable hives three times but nothing related to milk. I am extremely interested in knowing what the allergist says.

Hi Naomi,

That sounds like lactose intolerance. [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/smile.gif[/img]

Carolyn~It does sound like it could be an allergy But if he has a glass of milk with that PB sandwich and in the cheerios, it could very well be lactose intolerance. I only had lactose intolerance when I was pregnant and nursing.It was really weird.I thought it was something I was eating and my girlfriend said stay off the milk and sure enough that's what it was. I don't remember the diarreah too much but alot of severe pain and cramping. After about a year I was fine with milk again.
I hope that's all it is. G/L to him.
p.s. Just curious...I read my Honey Nut Cherrios and it only lists almonds. Since my daughter has had almonds with no reaction, I have them in the house for my other children. Does your box list peanuts?

Diane - no it's *definitely* not lactose intolerance! My parents say their "calf" is home for a visit whenever he comes to town - he drinks so much milk! It's only 'nut' cereals, like Honey Nut Cheerios and Honey Nut Corn Flakes - he's fine with every other cereal. That's why I'm thinking it's not just peanuts he's reacting to, but almonds, also.

He's decided to go to his 'real' doctor next week, instead of the walk-in clinic, figuring he'll have a quicker shot at seeing an allergist. I'll post when he finds out what's wrong.

NaomiR - welcome back! (haven't seen you post for a while) My brother's problem does sound similar to lactose intolerance, doesn't it? It will be interesting to find out if there's such a thing as peanut/almond intolerance, or if it's classified as an allergy (which it sounds like). I hope we get to the bottom of this. We're still dealing with lactose intolerance with the baby, BTW. She can't even tolerate the baby cereal that contains 35% formula - strictly lactose-free formula for now.

Cayleys Mom-

It has been a very stressful household here recently. I have very little time to get on the internet now.

I find that it is truly harder (not scarier) to deal with the lactose intolerance. Every time I turn around there is some kind of lactose in something. The allergist actually told me not to worry about reading labels to see if there is any kind of hidden dairy in it. Just to keep him off the obvious. 'It is alot easier said then done' as they old saying goes.

I feel sooooo sorry for my son. He is sooooo small and skinny. I am also grateful that he potty trained earlier (before he was two as he copied his older brother) or it would be costing me a fortune in diapers/pull ups.

I am sorry to hear that you are still battling with this. I thought it would gradually be easier but it is only getting worse. I finally realized one of our hidden problems was a child's vitamin. It contained lactose. I was also purchasing a VeggieSoy cheese and he started with the runs again but when I read the package label it listed Casien. I was pretty shocked because I am sure that someone (maybe not a mother or close relative but a friend's parent) may try to feed that to an actual allergic child and they could react.

I miss writing to you regarding our "high needs" children. It has been very stressful here recently with my little one.

Keep us informed on your brother.
Nae

Thanks again everyone for your replies! My brother just got his results from the allergist today and it