Phoenix Families Advice - Does my child have a peanut allergy?

Peanuts are one of the most common allergy-causing foods, found in a diverse range of products including some baked goods, candy, chili and many others foods that by outside appearances seem peanut-free. Because peanuts are so common and can cause such severe reactions many parents in the Phoenix area worry about whether their child might have an allergy.

If you are a parent and seriously concerned your child may have a peanut allergy your first port of call should be professional allergists, rather than relying on an internet or self-diagnosis. A professional will take a detailed history and conduct a safe and accurate test to determine if your child has an allergic reaction when exposed to peanuts.

It is important to get a diagnosis for two reasons – firstly should you receive a diagnosis they will provide all the support and advice you need to help your child eat safely at home and outside the home. Just as importantly if your child is tested by professional allergists and they discover he or she does not have an allergy they can then safely eat peanuts. This is important because avoiding potential allergens can actually make children more sensitive – if a child is unnecessarily stopped from eating peanuts this may actually contribute to their developing an allergy!

If you are concerned then the following list of signs should help you decide whether you need to visit the allergists:

• Near Immediate Reaction - If your child is allergic to peanuts they should experience a near-immediate reaction when exposed. This could be a combination of a number of symptoms including swelling of the face or throat, quick-spreading rashes, difficulty breathing, stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting or feeling weak.
• Often Runs in Families - Family members with allergies make it more likely your child will have allergies themselves.
• Happens Every Time - An allergic reaction is reliable and repeatable – the symptoms should appear any time a peanut is eaten – they will not happen just some of the time.

If you are concerned contact an allergyspecialist in Phoenix and get your child checked at the earliest possible opportunity. Not only will you receive expert advice but you’ll also have the peace of mind of knowing for certain, regardless of the outcome.

Feed Him Early: A New Method for Arizona Allergy and Asthma Prevention

It has been stated by numerous authorities that presenting allergy-inducing food to babies at a certain stage in their lives will ensure that they will not develop the allergy. This is especially true if a family member has an existing condition. The daring announcement of the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology is going to be a step away from the norm. Parents who will try the method suggested by the givers of the joint statement should have a close correspondence with Arizona allergy and asthma experts. As yet, this method does not have solid scientific findings to back it up. That's why it is imperative that once the child has been introduced to one of the eight common allergy-inducing foods at such a stage, skin tests and other methods of diagnosis will have to be administered to determine the results and take appropriate action.

http://allergyarizona.net/industry-news/feed-him-early-a-new-method-for-arizona-allergy-and-asthma-prevention/

Ask an Experienced Phoenix Allergist for Advice on Peanut Allergies

Twelve of the children were eventually able to eat the equivalent of 10 peanuts a day even after they went off the drug, according to the findings published in the December issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Although this new study has yielded mostly positive results, the scientists do admit that the research is still in its infancy stages and that a permanent cure for peanut allergies may still be far off. For now, the best way to avoid severe allergic reactions caused by peanuts is simply to avoid consuming them. If you would like to learn more about how to help your child avoid exposure to allergens, do not hesitate to consult a Phoenix immunologist or allergist for more information.

http://allergyarizona.net/industry-news/ask-an-experienced-phoenix-allergist-for-advice-on-peanut-allergies/

Common Allergens Reputable Allergy Doctors in Phoenix Fight Everyday

Food allergies are very common in children. In fact, allergy experts from the non-profit organization FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) estimate that one child out of every thirteen in the United States suffers from some form of food allergy. The most common food allergens include milk, eggs, nuts, seafood, soy, and wheat. Most of the time, the only way to deal with allergies is to avoid allergens and to take proper medication. However, certain allergens, such as ragweed pollen, are virtually impossible to avoid. If you are tired of suffering from allergies every day, be sure to consult an experienced Phoenix allergist, such as Dr. Fadia Habib-Khazen, to see what other allergy treatment options are available to you.

http://allergyarizona.net/info-article/common-allergens-reputable-allergy-doctors-in-phoenix-fight-everyday/

When Allergies Attack: Coping with Arizona Allergy and Asthma Cases

"Allergies can be described as the immune system’s reaction or hypersensitivity to an otherwise harmless substance such as pollen. On the other hand, asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that plagues a person’s respiratory system, thereby complicating breathing and causing bouts of coughing. Incidentally, certain allergies also trigger asthma symptoms, thus, correlating the two ailments and inconveniencing the afflicted twice over. It can be hard to cope with allergies, and it’ll be even more difficult if your allergies also cause asthma attacks. To make things easier for yourself, you should see a medical center—such as the Adult & Pediatric Allergy Associates, P.C., for instance—that can offer Arizona allergy relief. These medical facilities are also equipped to deal with asthma incidents brought about by allergies. Should your condition escalate, don’t hesitate to pay your allergy doctor a visit."

http://allergyarizona.net/industry-news/when-allergies-attack-coping-with-arizona-allergy-and-asthma-cases/

Open Wide: Understanding and Coping with Food Allergies in Phoenix

"Food allergies refer to the human body’s gross overreaction against certain harmless proteins found in particular foods. Allergic reactions differ in every patient; symptoms range from dizziness, itching, swelling, and to more life-threatening symptoms such as rapid pulse acceleration, dangerous drops in blood pressure, and breathing difficulties. To avoid fatal scenarios, individuals who have experienced any type of food allergy should have themselves tested to know exactly what foods to avoid. A center for food allergy testing in Phoenix, AZ, such as Adult & Pediatric Allergy Associates, P.C. can help at-risk individuals identify any underlying complications they may have. Since most food allergies are inherited, parents may want to have their children tested as well. Prevention is the best cure, after all, and testing can save your life or your loved one from a dish gone wrong."

http://allergyarizona.net/industry-news/open-wide-understanding-and-coping-with-food-allergies-in-phoenix/

AZ Schools Now with EpiPens, Phoenix Allergist Still Part of Treatment

"A Phoenix allergist, however, should advise against epinephrine as the primary remedy for allergy attacks. Epinephrine reacts faster compared to other drugs, which is why it’s used as initial treatment for anaphylactic shock. However, experts say that further treatment should be performed at a hospital or any medical facility, especially for severe cases. It’s also recommended to bring allergies to the attention of allergy centers like Adult & Pediatric Allergy Associates, P.C. After an attack, in this case, a Phoenix allergist that immunology centers employ can examine the patient and recommend the most suitable lifestyle."

http://allergyarizona.net/industry-news/az-schools-now-with-epipens-phoenix-allergist-still-part-of-treatment/