We have decided to dedicate the first post of 2016 to answer those first-timer questions patients, parents and care-takers have.

Let us begin by wishing a very Happy New Year to everybody, filled with health, happiness and a great deal of success.

We have decided to dedicate the first post of 2016 to answer those first timer questions patients, parents and care takers have.

We will answer the questions we are asked at public events or during speaking engagements in an attempt to bring clarity and awareness to those conditions our practice treats with the intent of providing you more knowledge.

After your doctor makes the announcement “you are allergic to [peanuts, nichel, dust]” comes the “now what?” question.

Doctor and nurses give you a list of tips, suggestions, ideas, pamphlets, changes that involve your daily life that come as a cold shower.

Then you go home and you have to explain to your child, children, family members, report to school, colleagues and start living a new life. Sometimes, by knowing that you are not alone and you have not only medical support, but a virtual place where you can go back and feel reassured, it helps.

We must warn you that none of the following can be used as a substitute to medical advice. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described, please refer to your physician, go to the first ER or contact one of our centers for a consultation.

1. The relationship between food allergies and siblings

A recent research shows that only 13 % of siblings share food allergies.

Parents with one of the children allergic to food tend to feel assured by testing everyone even before the incurring of a first reaction as a form of prevention.

In other words: after the scattered, unexpected and  scary episode of the first allergic reaction to food, parents don’t want to wait for the eventual risk of anaphylaxis with younger sibling and may be prone and ready to test even before real symptoms are apparent.

It’s been shown that results may be false-positive and cause more confusion than reassurance.

Take one step at a time, keep your epinephrine available at all times, don’t panic and educate your family.

2. Gluten intolerance vs. gluten/wheat allergy

You know the difference because you or your children are living with it on a daily basis; however, there is quite a confusion, false fads of ‘going gluten free to lose weight’, an overall insurgent dose of ignorance and lack of education on what a serious threat an allergy to food may pose to one’s life.

Symptoms of gluten intolerance:

• Bloated
• Dizzy, foggy mind
• Periodical and frequent headaches and, or migraines
• Swelling of joints
• Mood unbalances
• Hives or skin rushes
• Stuffy and runny nose
• Food allergy and anxiety & asthma and depression: a brand new study shows anxiety is related to food allergies and depression with asthma in adolescents.
• Overlapping symptoms of both ailments: Digestive struggles (stomach cramps) Gastro-intestinal complications (diarrhea).

Our recommendation is that if you haven’t been tested and you experience any of the symptoms, don’t wait, and seek medical advice right away.  Supposing or deducting from someone else’s experience is never the best route.

3. First symptoms of an asthma attack.

Identifying the symptoms is of utmost importance. Finding the right specialist is paramount to avoid misdiagnosis.

• Trouble breathing, wheezing, shortness of breath: during an asthma attack muscles around airways contract and airways’ lining swell, filled up with mucus
• Chest retraction: skin around neck and chest may sink in
• Tiredness
• Under-eye circles
• Persistent dry cough
• Not feeling hungry, limited appetite
• Trouble talking: agitated, speak in short sentences or single words;
• Trouble walking: the pain may force you to lean forward
• Blue lips and pale face
• Anxiety
• In children: not being as active

For other questions related to asthma, like, “is asthma hereditary?” check this other Blog post.

4. Cold vs. allergy

This is an article we have written about a statement we hear often: if it lasts more than 10 days don’t treat it as a cold anymore.

5. Growing children with dietary restrictions and a balanced nutrition

The help of a professional nutritionist, the pediatrician and the allergist will assist you in the process of keeping up with growth standards and peace of mind.

‘My newborn daughter is allergic to milk, I am concerned about her bone growth’

Avoiding certain foods doesn’t mean that your child will not grow accordingly, or that he/she will not grow to be a healthy kid who will get sick more often. Concerns are real; since the elimination of what we are taught is the foundation of a child growth may bring you to think there’s no substitution.

To learn about the substitutes refer to this article published by Kids with Food Allergies Foundation.

If you have doubts or need extra clarifications it’s you turn now: take it to the comment section.

Sources:

[1] http://www.sun-gazing.com/8-common-signs-gluten-intolerence-people-dont-know-just-ignore/

[2]http://acaai.org/allergies/types/food-allergies/types-food-allergy/wheat-gluten-allergy 

[3]  http://www.webmd.com/asthma/asthma-symptoms-15/slideshow-asthma-attack?ecd=wnl_day_110515&ctr=wnl-day-110515_nsl-ld-stry&mb=ry5TvQjox5mH89WFeB4zu2dEpmNqbUHLHvjSVWT%2fLtk%3d

[4] http://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/blog/study-shows-siblings-of-kids-with-food-allergies-aren-t-necessarily-also-allergic

[5] http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/page/is-your-food-allergic-childs-diet-nutritionally-balanced.aspx