When a child is diagnosed with a food allergy, families work with the team at Food Allergies Atlanta to develop a food allergy treatment plan. The plan is created to prevent reactions and is based on the child’s symptoms, test results, and history with specific foods. But as a child grows and their immune system matures, their treatment plan may look different. Here’s how food allergy treatments can change from infancy through the teen years.
Follow-Up Testing Can Show Whether an Allergy Has Changed
Some childhood food allergies are outgrown as the immune system develops. Allergies to milk, egg, wheat and soy are often outgrown, while peanut, tree nut, fish and shellfish allergies are more likely to persist into adulthood. To understand whether the immune system is still sensitized to a particular food, allergists typically use skin prick testing or blood testing. Depending on the results, an oral food challenge may be recommended to see how a child responds to eating the food under medical supervision.
Allergy Medication and Emergency Plans Change With Age
Emergency medication for severe reactions should be reviewed regularly. As a child gains weight, the dose in their epinephrine auto-injector may no longer be adequate. Regular reviews can confirm the dose is right, and make sure a child has medication accessible when they start school. When children spend less time at home, it’s important to give teachers, child care providers and other caregivers the necessary medication and an emergency action plan.
When a Child May Be Ready for Additional Food Allergy Treatment
While a child could be diagnosed with a food allergy at a young age, they might not be considered ready for treatments like oral immunotherapy (OIT). In some cases though, young children can start food allergy treatment such as OIT as infants or toddlers. To begin, asthma must be well-controlled in a child, and they must be able to consistently take their daily dose. For children with poorly controlled asthma or other health concerns, an allergist may recommend avoidance and an emergency plan until OIT becomes a better option.
Children Learn to Manage Their Own Food Allergies
As children grow they can take on more responsibility for managing their food allergy. Younger children can learn about their allergen and the foods that may contain it as an ingredient. When they reach school age they can recognize the warning signs of an allergic reaction, and know what to do in an emergency. Note that parents must remain actively involved as their children gradually become more active in their own daily food allergy treatment.
Keep Your Child’s Food Allergy Plan Up to Date
Childhood food allergies are often unpredictable. For some children, this could mean a future reaction might be more severe than past ones. Allergists usually recommend regular follow-up appointments to keep the treatment plan current. These visits are an opportunity to monitor changes in symptoms, and assess whether a child has started reacting to other foods. When needed, children will get food allergy testing before a treatment plan is updated. Regular appointments with your Atlanta allergist make sure your child’s food allergy treatment keeps up with their growth.
Talk to Us About Pediatric Food Allergy Treatment in Atlanta
If your child has a food allergy triggered by milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts or other allergens, the right treatment can help. Visit one of our food allergy treatment centers in the Atlanta area for help dealing with an allergy, including professional allergy testing and allergy management services. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment.
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