Diagnosing Food Allergies and Related Conditions in Children
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Our pediatric allergists are experts in diagnosing the full spectrum of food allergies -- including peanut, milk, and other common allergies -- as well as food intolerances, such as lactose or gluten intolerance. We also diagnose and treat the following complex allergic conditions that may cause serious complications.
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Inflammation of the esophagus that can cause delayed growth, abdominal pain, and trouble swallowing.
- Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES)
This type of food allergy affects the GI tract. It causes severe vomiting or diarrhea in babies up to several hours after they have eaten certain foods.
Treatments for Food Allergies in Children
Medical Treatment
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Some life-threatening allergies require emergency medicine to stop a severe reaction, such as epinephrine in a syringe (EpiPen®, Adrenaclick®, or Auvi-q®). Milder, non-life-threatening symptoms can often be treated with antihistamines.
Food Allergy Action Plans
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Together, we create a written food allergy action plan that is updated at every visit. These plans outline the difference between a mild reaction and a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. This helps reduce anxiety and teaches you and your child to recognize when it’s okay to take an antihistamine or when to use epinephrine
Nutrition Counseling
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Our registered dietitian helps children with one or more food allergies maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet, despite having to avoid certain foods.
Education and Support
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We help answer your child’s questions. We also educate your child and family about the condition and how to cope with social anxieties that may be related to food allergies.
Tests for Food Allergies in Children
Tests Overview
Duke’s pediatric allergy and immunology specialists take time to evaluate your child’s symptoms and answer your questions and concerns. We may perform a variety of tests to determine the food allergy type and severity.
Skin Prick Tests
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These tests confirm the presence of food allergies using a liquid solution that contains allergens. Raised bumps will appear at the site of an allergic reaction.
Blood Tests
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These tests detect whether the body produces antibodies against certain foods, which triggers an allergic reaction. Results show the significance of an allergy on a numeric scale.
Oral Food Challenges
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Performed in the safety of our clinic, these challenges slowly introduce foods to test for allergic reaction. The process takes several hours and requires medical oversight in the event of a severe reaction. Duke also uses oral food challenges to safely reintroduce foods as your child outgrows an allergy.
Treating Your Child’s Food Allergy
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Living with food allergies begins with a proper diagnosis. This is an important first step because some food allergies can be life-threatening and require different levels of care. Our pediatric allergists provide comprehensive care that includes accurate diagnosis, ongoing education, symptom management, and referrals to specialists. Our care continues until your child outgrows his or her food allergy or transitions care to an adult allergy specialist.
Education and Assistance
We help you and your child understand food allergies, including what to look out for and how to read food labels, prepare meals, and eat away from home.
A Team of Specialists
When necessary, we refer your child to a gastroenterologist or nutritionist to help manage his or her diet and reduce digestive symptoms.
Regular Monitoring
We monitor your child’s allergies regularly. If your child appears to be outgrowing a food allergy, we can often work to safely incorporate the food back into the diet, using oral food challenges as necessary.
Testing Infants at High-Risk for Allergies
We test infants who are at high-risk for developing food allergies, such as those with eczema, and offer guidance to safely introduce foods during the first year of life.
Convenient Care
If your child has other allergies, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, or eczema, we provide comprehensive care in one location. For your convenience, we offer allergy and immunology care at multiple locations throughout the Triangle.
