Finding a Great Food Allergist

Having a caring and involved allergist makes a big difference

If your child has shown peanut allergy symptoms, you
have probably already suspected that she is allergic to peanuts. You may have contacted your pediatrician and may have been referred to a food allergist. Finding the right specialist to handle your child's reaction to peanuts is very important. There is more to controlling this allergy than simply avoiding peanuts.

Talk to other parents of children with food allergies for references on a food allergist

If you know of another child with an allergy to peanuts, it may be helpful to talk to his parents to find out whether or not they are satisfied with their food allergist. This method of finding a good doctor is usually more helpful than simply looking on a list of doctors that your insurance will accept.

Some food allergists specialize in children's allergies

Although it isn't necessary to always find pediatric allergist, most parents find that doctors that specialize in treating children are often more sensitive to dealing with a young child during the appointment. The allergist may demonstrate more patience and not be as rushed as a doctor who treats mostly adults. Pediatric allergists usually take the
time to explain the food allergies to the child in terms that she can
understand. They then explain to the parents how to avoid foods with peanuts that could be harmful to the child.

A food allergist may do testing to confirm the allergy to peanuts

A food allergist specializes in treating food allergies. Before the allergist tells you to avoid peanut products, skin testing or a blood test will be completed to see if your child truly has a peanut
allergy. Since there is currently no cure for this allergy, the only treatment is a diet that eliminates all peanut products. The allergist may refer you to a dietician for help in knowing which foods are safe for your child to eat.

The allergist will prescribe medication

You will probably be given an EpiPen that is an auto-injector to use if your child accidently ingests a peanut product and has a reaction. The medication epinephrine is inside the EpiPen that should be carried with you or given to the child's school or day care center in case of an emergency. The auto-injector can prevent the life-threatening condition of anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction.