Treating allergies in young child - and trouble getting referred

[RoLo1]

I am wondering if anyone has had a similar experience with their kids. My 3 year old son has severe eczema and before seeing a dermatologist we were sent for allergy testing last summer - the only thing they found was a dustmite allergy. We've since discovered he has a peanut allergy, which the clinic hadn't tested for. However today he had a major reaction while helping me in the kitchen, to either raw egg or wheat (both of which tested negative last Summer).

Given his extreme reaction this morning, with face swelling, redness and itching so bad he wanted 'to scratch off' his skin, we were lucky enough to be seen by the GP almost immediately.

Piriton had helped manage the symptoms within 10 minutes so the doctor: a) doesn't think he would be the right candidate for an EpiPen as his throat and airways didn't close up (despite the fact that he had trouble breathing when he reacted to peanut!); and b) when I pushed to get his allergies re-tested (as I really don't know what to avoid, though my inkling is raw egg) she refused to refer him, instead volunteering that she would consult "with another doctor" which I have interpreted as the brush-off... I guess we will get him tested privately so we can have some insight.

In terms of anaphylactic shock, his airways didn't swell up today, but his other reactions seem to fall in this category - or am I misinterpreting the allergy websites? If your throat doesn't swell one time, my understanding is that doesn't mean that will always be the case. My worry is the hidden dangers/ allergy we may not know of yet, and that next time we won't be able to help him.

Anyone have any insider knowledge on this area?

[Strawbs]

I can't speak for the specific allergy but I suffer from anaphylaxis, have done since I was 11, I am exercise induced (2% of all sufferers) and every single time without fail my airways have been severely affected ranging from struggling to breath to complete closure. I carry an epipen. If you feel very strongly about it I would either go back and insist and have your child seen privately. Hope that helps in some way. X

[RoLo1]

Thanks Strawbs, that is really helpful (and sorry to hear you have this reaction, must have been terrifying, especially prior to diagnosis!). Thanks, R x

[amydown]

I would recommend a private test. I saw a consultant last week for a suspected cat allergy and having discussed things with me for good 20-minutes, she tested me for about 20 things, including common food items. When my little one was young, we saw a Paediatric Allegy consultant and again, it was great to go through all the history of events with him and doing a comprehensive test without feeling rushed.

Well worth it. Pls feel free to PM.

[bodsier]

I am a bit concerned that you should have to go to a private clinic to address what could be a fatal condition. I am aware that cuts have been made within the NHS which means doctors now have meetings before they will refer patients. Though this may be reasonable in cone cases, I really think it's unacceptable in this case. I would Insist on a referral to kings, because it's important to be aware of what he is allergic to. Reactions can vary, and can worsen with each reaction. Breathing difficulties are or at least were(before the cuts)considered to be dangerous, and would always be referred in the past. I would never allow them to fob me off with any thing other than a referral. Stick to your guns, trust your instincts.

[Medusa]

Allergy testing is problematic, though. Two of my triplets have had allergic reactions a few times and testing at King's didn't shown anything, which, from what I was told, is very often the case. Unless you have a common allergy or a clue as to what the allergen might be, you may not find out anything useful.

[bodsier]

My experience with mings has been very positive. We know exactly what my son is allergic to following tests and have annual screening to see if anything has changed. No it's not always conclusive, this is why if readings are low after prick test, they challenge the foodstuff incrementally under hospital conditions, it's always worked for us. Please don't be put off Rolo. That is what the Nhs is for.

[sydsevenses]

Waiting times for referrals are very, very long due to a shortage (compared to other countries) of paediatric allergy specialists and some GP surgeries are reluctant to refer due to cost considerations. Please do take your son's reaction extremely seriously, allergies can be life-threatening, so please go back to your GP and insist on a referral. Don't take comfort from the fact that he 'only' had hives and a swollen face this time, or that a previous test didn't show anything, allergies change and appear out of the blue - and eczema could be a contributing factor.

If you can't get a referral, consider seeing someone privately. We did- it was very expensive, but we came out with not only a care plan, but also something black on white to show our GP who then agreed to refer our son. He is now under the care of the excellent allergy team at St Thomas', slowly growing out of his allergies and life is good. If you haven't taken any steps yet, please don't delay...

All the best for your son!