Search Results for: ask-the-allergist

Q. I have peanut and soy allergies and my husband gets hay fever, so I’ve been putting off introducing our son (no known allergies) to peanuts and nuts. He’s 2 ½ and going to daycare soon, so we have to start the process. My allergist is willing to skin test, but if there haven’t been [...]

Q. My 5-year-old daughter has several food allergies (eggs, peanuts, sesame, peas), and recently tested allergic to fish and shellfish. In past, sometimes the only safe thing she could eat at a restaurant was French fries. But now with the fish allergy, I’m wondering: is it OK for the French fries to be fried in [...]

Q.  My husband has food allergies and I have pollen allergies. My concern is for our 9-month-old son. I’m breastfeeding but am aware that most people introduce cow’s milk at one year. Would you suggest we do the same for our son? Also, is there any “safer” way to introduce it? Dr. Waserman: Having allergic [...]

Q.  I just moved to Toronto from Italy. I was considered “peach allergic” there, but here, my GP says the symptoms are oral allergy syndrome and to avoid raw peaches. But I’m not convinced; I did get hives and throat tightness after toast with a jam (that turned out to be peach). How do I [...]

Q.  My daughter is allergic to several tree nuts, and is just starting kindergarten. Her school restricts peanuts, but not tree nuts. Can you give me any advice on how to keep her safe at school? Dr. Pistiner: Passing the responsibility of caring for children with food allergies to others can be tricky and anxiety-provoking. [...]

Q. I was stung by a wasp last year, with no reaction. About three weeks later I was stung again and my lips and ears swelled, as did my arm where I was stung. I’ve been told I’m anaphylactic now, and I’m afraid when I’m outside. How do I go on living a normal life? [...]

Q. My son is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts and all seeds. I’m curious about the seed allergies: why is sesame viewed as a major allergen and declared in the ingredients of foods while sunflower seeds and oil are not? Also, since seeds are an issue, should we be worrying about mustard and mustard seed? Dr. Watson: [...]

Q. I have three children, aged 12, 7 and 18 months. My 12-year-old daughter developed peanut allergy at 2. My 7-year-old daughter had a test at 3 and wasn’t allergic to peanut. Now at age 7, she is. Why is that? And is there anything preventative I can do for my 18-month-old son? Dr. Watson: [...]

Q My daughter has an extreme allergy to tree nuts, and now there are so many soaps and lotions out there with shea nuts or shea nut butter or oil. I have never heard of this “nut” before. Is it a true nut? If it is, am I right to assume that my daughter should avoid [...]