If you have a child with allergies you likely have a family physician or pediatrician that you see. I'd like to recommend a pediatric allergist though if your child has severe food allergies. Even as a physician myself, I am aware of my own limitations and have chosen a wonderful pediatric allergist for her to see. So we went today! We had an appointment scheduled but ended up going early as she had a major anaphylactic reaction after eating half a chocolate malted ball (whopper candy or maltesers if you're from the UK!) Poor thing swelled up all over her face and had problems breathing. Some benedryl, zyrtec and a good nap made things better but it was good to talk to the allergist about further steps at the office visit. He suggested daily zyrtec and singulair granules (she's allergic to the tablets as they contain lactose) and possible injections with Xolair - a monoclonal antibody. It's not FDA approved for children under 12 though so we're going to research further, think and pray about it! He also recommended against immunization for MMR, varicella and influenza as she is allergic to the gelatin that is in the vaccines. And he confirmed what we already knew...that she should be homeschooled...going to school would be way too hazardous for her health. It's good to know that we made the right decision to homeschool! Thank you God! The not so good news is that she may not outgrow her allergies until she is 5 or 6 if she does at all. We are going to be praying that she does outgrow her allergies though as I definitely don't want to be nursing a 1st grader!
So for all you brave allergy facing parents make sure to talk to your doctor about treatment options, vaccination issues and also school issues!
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