How likely is it to overcome food allergies in children? A good question, as at least 50% of children who are allergic to cow's milk, egg, soy and wheat will outgrow their allergy by age 6. However, kids with a walnut, cashew, almond, pistachio or peanut allergy have a 20% chance of recovery. As a parent, you're likely wondering what you can do to help your child. In this article, you will learn about some of the most popular tests and treatments for kids with food allergies.
Currently, there are two preliminary tests for food allergies in kids. After going over the child's and family's medical history, a basic physical examination and asking questions about the child's diet, pediatricians generally recommend a blood test. Even though this is not 100% predictive, many allergies can be ruled out this way. During this test, a small amount of blood will be drawn and observed for the presence of IgE antibody, which will reveal an immune system response to a particular food protein. For people with extreme shellfish or peanut allergies, this test is preferred because the patient does not have to be exposed to the potential allergens. During the 30-minute prick skin… Continue reading