benefits of testing an infant for further allergies??

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emmapips
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Joined: Mon Feb 11, 2013 10:13 pm
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by emmapips on Mon Feb 11, 2013 10:30 pm

benefits of testing an infant for further allergies??

hello,
My 15 month old son has been diagnosed with cmpi from 4months due to severe reflux.
He has recently reacted badly to both egg and strawberries (sickness, hives and an itchy throat).
I was wondering if allergy testing should be the next step and whether it is reasonable of me to expect this? Currently I am just being told to avoid these foods when I suggest testing and that there will be no benefits to allergy testing at present. My son also has ezcema on his face that simply doesnt clea even with steroids. He often has flare ups and we do not know the cause. We have pets so could this be the cause or is it likely to be another food allergen that we are unaware of? Could allergy testing give these answrs?
Thanking you in advance

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Dr Joanna Lukawska
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Joined: Mon May 09, 2011 11:56 am
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by Dr Joanna Lukawska on Tue Feb 12, 2013 1:17 pm

Re: benefits of testing an infant for further allergies??

Hi Emma
Yes to all of the above. In view of his underlying eczema, a likely history of IgE mediated reactions to egg and strawberries, your son does warrant allergy testing and review in Allergy Clinic. His eczema can be exacerbated by earoallergens such as pet dander, house dust mite, pollens, but all of this needs to be confirmed by testing. He will also be tested with other food products that he may not have yet consumed and which may be potential allergens.
Most Paediatric Allergy Clinics have access to allergy dietician, who will help you make sure that his diet is nutritionally complete. His eczema treatment will also be reviewed as will his reflux.
Good luck.
Dr Joanna Lukawska
Clinical Research Fellow & Specialist Registrar in Allergy

emmapips
Posts: 2
Joined: Mon Feb 11, 2013 10:13 pm
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by emmapips on Tue Feb 12, 2013 2:50 pm

Re: benefits of testing an infant for further allergies??

Thank you so much for your response. I'm pleased that I am right to ask for this and your reply was very thorough. I will return to my GP and see if a referral can be made. If a referral isn't given where can I find a list of accredited and trustworthy private allergy clinics with paediatric specialists from? Is there a website or trust that gives this information? Thank you again. Emma

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Dr Joanna Lukawska
Posts: 27
Joined: Mon May 09, 2011 11:56 am
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by Dr Joanna Lukawska on Tue Feb 12, 2013 4:24 pm

Re: benefits of testing an infant for further allergies??

Hi Emma
You should be able to obtain NHS referral for your son from the GP. BSACI website has addresses of all the NHS clinics in the UK. Do let me know how you get on.
Joanna
Dr Joanna Lukawska
Clinical Research Fellow & Specialist Registrar in Allergy

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