Open Food Challenge

[mommy2aboy&girl]

Hi all first time posting, but long time lurker! My ds (almost 2) is allergic to Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Strawberries, and dairy. Also he had some mild reactions to eggs and soy. His testing came back negative for soy and eggs, but we are doing open challenges to see about them. We go this week for his Open Soy challenge, and it's like a 6 hour appt. Has anyone ever done this and can you share your experience? Thanks

[kjbrown92]

I don't know the term "open" for it. We did a soy challenge and a milk challenge at the GI's office for DS (one month apart). And it took a few hours. They gave him like 1/2 oz. to start, then waited, then a little more the next time, then waited, etc. and there were no reactions, so they sent us home and said go ahead and eat it. Not sure if it's different with an IgE reaction. However, it's possible that your DS has IgE allergies to the things that you mentioned, and intolerances to the soy and eggs, that you noticed mild reactions with. Just because they say he doesn't have an IgE allergy to them doesn't mean they're not intolerances (though most allergists I've come across don't believe in intolerances).

[mommy2aboy&girl]

Thanks Kj! My thoughts are that he has an egg intolerance as they just seem to give him gas and make him uncomfortable. I'm a little more confused about the Soy because the one and only time I gave him soy milk within 5 minutes he projectile vomited about 6 times in a row.

[kjbrown92]

projectile vomiting can be either allergy or intolerance, so it can be confusing. And a lot of allergists say that allergy tests aren't accurate under 2 years of age (and that skin pricks are more accurate than RAST). At least they want you to do it in office, and aren't saying you're on your own!! Is this at an allergist? or a general pediatrician?

[mommy2aboy&girl]

It's an allergist and they did both the skin prick and RAST both came back negative.