Questionable response to allergy skin prick testing

[devon]

My 4 year old DS had allergy testing today (skin prick).  He was tested at 18 months because he had numerous ear infection, constant post nasal drip, runny nose, and some RAD.  He didn't react to anything really at that time.

He seems to have outgrown the RAD but continues to have the constant stuffy nose, post nasal drip, upset tummy, tummy that seems distended at times, and goes between constipation and loose stools at times.  He also complains of being tired all the time and has some sensory issues.  So, we took him for some skin prick testing today with an allergist.

Here is what they tested him for and the prick results (we requested some of the food specific ones (*) because we've noticed/he's complained about them.  Surprisingly, no reactions to those):

*apples - 0

*chocolate - 0

*cinnamon - 0

corn - 4+

oats - 2+

rice - 0

*tomato - 0

*watermellon - 0

tree mix - 3+

grass mix - 3+

weed mix - 3+

ragweed - 4+

mold mix - 2+

dust mite mix - 3+

cat - 0

dog  0

eggs (whole) - 2+

milk - 0

peanut mix - 3+

soy - 1+

wheat - 0

She told me that we may still give him corn oil and corn syrup, but it's better to avoid corn starch (something about the oil/syrup not having as much of the corn protein in them?)

We also talked about the peanut.  We're vegetarian and he has gotten peanut butter probably 5 days a week his whole life since the age of 18 months.  She suggested leaving it as is and getting rid of the oats (like oatmeal) and corn and see if we notice an improvement.  He's also on allegra (as he was on claritin and zyrtec in the past with no noticable improvement).

I'm very confused.  I went GFCF for a few months and a different naturopath told me to be very specific when looking for those ingredients (looking at 'hidden' forms on labels, etc).  This dr. seemed relatively non-chalant about it and didn't mention about hidden ingredients, etc, just specified the corn oil/syrup and corn starch, as well as obvious corn products. 

He's never had anything near an anaphylactic reaction to anything.  His seem to be intestinal and perhaps nasal.

He had tubes in at 15 months for chronic ear infections which she said may have been egg related that he is outgrowing, and he also had his adenoids removed then.  He's been ear-infection free since then.

Any insights?  I'm confused.

Thanks!

Devon

[devon]

The scale would probably be helpful...

0 - no reaction

1+ - erythema < 20mm

2+ - erythema > 20mm

3+ - definite wheal > 3mm

4+ - wheal with pseudopods

[Itchy]

Hi there

My son has 30+ allergies and has suffered anaphylaxis. The serious ones did come up at 5mm on the skin prick tests, however there have been a few times when there have been negative skin pricks but clear reactions when I give the food. The hospital gives a food challenge after skin prick tests so the only real way to check for an allergy is to give the child the food. My advice therefore is not to go too much on the skin prick tests, keep a strict food and symptom diary and make your own conclusions. The main issue is to ensure you are giving your child a good diet. We are lucky enough to have a dietician to help us do this. I have learned to trust my instincts and find that if I suspect he is allergic to a food then he most probably is.

Hope that helps

Best wishes

[deminc]

What about targeting dustmites? That seem to be a common one for kids with stuffy nose and postnasal drip.

If I underestand correctly, allergies are protein related, so the advice on corn oil/syrup versus corn starch.

Food intolerance can be any part of the food item. Naturopaths usually address food intolerances. Allergists usually dismiss food intolerances and focus more on the immune system response to foreign proteins.

But pp's advice to observe reaction is sound. Our allergist told us the same - rely on our own observation - regarding some iffy items.