Questions about seeing an allergist

Karen · 10-25-2007, 09:31 PM

For those of you who have had to take their little ones to do this, what is involved? My situation in short is that Tyler has reflux, has been miserable, I cut out all dairy and the gassy foods, etc, but he still has some pretty wicked nights of only sleeping like 30-45 minutes at a time so I for a few days ate only bread, chicken, peanut butter and water and it made a big difference so I think he may be allergic to other stuff-like possibly eggs. I was thinking about seeing an allergist but don't know if it is worth it or not. He has a barium swallow Monday and a milk scan Friday and the GI on Dec 7th. So, my question is what happens, is it worth putting him through that? Will he likely outgrow it-should I put it off until later? TIA

Kris · 10-25-2007, 11:35 PM

Karen,

It really depends on the allergist. Allergy testing with real little ones is often subjective and inaccurate. But, sometimes it can give a much better picture of what foods need to be eliminated.

All 3 of my kids see an allergist regularly, including Ian - who has been seen by one for over a year now, and he's just a shade over 2.

My older son is under his care for asthma, he's not allergic to anything. However, both my daughter and Ian are *severely* allergic to eggs, peanuts, milk, and they are both intolerant to soy.

Most allergists around here will not do skin testing on a really young child, they will draw blood at do RAST testing instead. However, if there is a specific food that is suspect, and they get a negative rast - they might proceed with an individual skin test, but they usually will not do any "panel" tests on real small kids, there isn't room on their bodies!

I've been through this several times with each of my kiddos. If you have any specific questions, I'll certainly try to answer! =)

Kris · 10-25-2007, 11:36 PM

What's a "milk scan," by the way???

Tricia · 10-26-2007, 09:17 AM

what Kris said. With Gage he had really bad reflux and didn't get an upper GI till he was 15 months.

With Bailey and his milk sensitivity she wouldn't do the RSAT until he was 18 months. I guess that is still early. He tested negative even though he STILL can't drink milk.

I hope someone can give you the answers you are looking for.

Karen · 10-27-2007, 02:23 PM

Thanks for the info, I didn't think they woulod test him but wasn't sure and it seems like he is sensitive to about everything, I am even suspecting the peanut butter now b/c of more eczema in the last few days and I am eating practically nothing.
Kris, did you nurse or formula feed with all those allergies I can't imagine nursing-like what you would eat. A milk scan is similar toa barium swalllow but you take 8 oz of breastmilk or formula, whichever the baby typically uses and they add a radioative isotope to it then track it through the system. Pedi said the the barium is mostly to see structures and anatomy to make sure it is all functioning properly but b/c the barium is so thick not all kids show reflux with it so the milk scan more accurately depicts what happens with them normally. IF the barium shows the reflux then they won't do the milk scan.
What is RAST?

Kris · 10-27-2007, 04:08 PM

RAST stands for radioallergosorbent, and it's a blood test used to confirm or deny allergy. Instead of exposing the child/person to the allergen directly, they expose only the blood. Here's the WIKI entry... RAST testing.

I didn't know of any of the allergies until they were older. But, Joshua was on soy formula from the beginning. He would projectile vomit whenever I'd nurse him. That didn't last long. With Brenna, I never even tried to nurse. With Ian, I nursed a full week and I pumped for 2 additional weeks. Eventually, an infection caused me to lose my entire supply and he ended up on lactose free formula.

If you suspect peanuts, DO NOT eat them again as long as you are nursing. Each and every subsequent exposure to peanuts (in a person who's suspect of being allergic - and eczema IS a sign) increases the chances of a severe reaction. Don't risk it.

Karen · 10-28-2007, 03:31 PM

Thanks Kris, Ihave stopped the peanuts. The more I read on allergies I think I have been craving them b/c of allergies. I have eaten a lot of peanut butter this week and I do feel like he is having more-but different reactions to that-like red itchy eyes, dark circles under his eyes, more eczema so I am done with it. No reason to risk it. I am trying a straight up elimination diet and I will go from there.