https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 18 Apr 2026 11:16:22 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suspected-walnut-allergy-in-2yo-where-to-start#post-2773773 Mon, 18 Sep 2017 06:17:42 +0000 Adira 2773773@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Corduroy: Great update!! It's always good to have a concrete plan. And it's great that your DH is on the same page now and gets it!</p> <p>As far as the other nuts - my son is allergic to peanuts and a bunch of tree nuts (though technically not all of them) and we're just avoiding all peanuts and tree nuts together. He has another allergist appointment coming up December, so we might reevaluate then. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suspected-walnut-allergy-in-2yo-where-to-start#post-2773594 Fri, 15 Sep 2017 23:47:55 +0000 Corduroy 2773594@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DS had his appointment with the allergist today. The allergist explained the testing protocol their office uses for diagnosis. When someone suspects an allergy from a reaction they do a blood test first, if the suspected allergen(s) are negative then proceed to a skin test, if that is negative they do a food challenge in the office. Since DS's blood test showed a walnut allergy we did not need to do a skin test for walnut.</p> <p>We discussed how we would handle peanuts and the tree nuts that DS didn't react to. The doctor said we could either avoid peanuts and tree nuts entirely OR only consume peanuts and tree nuts that do not have a risk of cross contamination and we must agree to feed them to DS 2-3 times a week religiously. (Anybody else doing this?) The allergist let me pick two tree nuts to take this approach with and I chose almond and cashew. I chose almond because they're everywhere and I think it would be a lot more likely to accidentally eat an almost than a walnut. I picked cashew because it's very different from a walnut and the other doctors I talked to said it shouldn't be an issue (outside of cross contamination). I hope the approach works but I don't have a lot of faith because DS had eaten walnuts several times prior to this reaction. I'll keep my fingers crossed though.</p> <p>Because we're taking that approach with almond and cashew DS was given a skin test in the office today. He didn't have any reaction to those (as we hoped/expected). </p> <p>The allergist also updated the allergy action plan to only give epinephrine if DS experiences symptoms instead of immediately upon ingesting. </p> <p>DH has started to be more on board. He came to the allergist appointment. The allergist started early with DH &amp; DS before I arrived and DH gave an accurate and detailed account of what happened - something I hadn't heard him do... and something I hadn't trusted him to do. I didn't realize he expected DS to outgrow the allergy in 1-2 years (like DD's egg sensitivity). That explains a lot of why he wasn't as concerned. I think we're on the same page now. I'm also feeling much better now that we have an allergist, an action plan, and the meds DS needs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suspected-walnut-allergy-in-2yo-where-to-start#post-2772783 Mon, 11 Sep 2017 12:45:02 +0000 Adira 2772783@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Corduroy: Anything under 0.35 kU/L is considered normal. Looks like you probably are dealing with a walnut allergy. :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suspected-walnut-allergy-in-2yo-where-to-start#post-2772774 Mon, 11 Sep 2017 12:20:07 +0000 RKitty 2772774@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You can't take antihistamines (allergy meds) for like a week before you do a skin test as it will skew the results. (You block the reaction to the allergy.) When I did a skin test recently I had to delay because of this there was no way I was going without my allergy meds during the worse season for my environmental allergies. </p> <p>Sounds like your little guy is allergic to walnuts. :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suspected-walnut-allergy-in-2yo-where-to-start#post-2772589 Sun, 10 Sep 2017 08:09:30 +0000 Corduroy 2772589@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ladybee: I just got shrimp results this morning (&lt;0.10 KU/L) so maybe more foods will come in. I am curious about the other tree nuts. That's interesting about delaying the skin test due to the medicine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suspected-walnut-allergy-in-2yo-where-to-start#post-2772587 Sun, 10 Sep 2017 07:31:34 +0000 ladybee 2772587@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Corduroy: we just did blood work with our 3 year old for all nuts, fish, and environmental. They way the lab here does them the allergist had to order all nuts. We came back at class 2 for cashews and pistachios. Hazelnuts came at as class 1 so we need to do skin testing to confirm all allergies. </p> <p>For us, we didn't do skin testing right away because we had an anaphylaxis reaction to cashews and he was given so many meds in the ER the results wouldn't have been reliable. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suspected-walnut-allergy-in-2yo-where-to-start#post-2772526 Sat, 09 Sep 2017 08:05:20 +0000 Corduroy 2772526@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I got the IGE blood test results this morning. I probably shouldn't have looked until a doctor can go over them with me but I couldn't resist.</p> <p>The foods tested didn't line up 100% with the foods the doctor requested to be tested. I don't know if the lab didn't see the doctor's instructions since he submitted them in a non-standard way or couldn't follow the doctor's instructions. Of the nuts and seeds the doctor wanted tested they only have results for sesame seed and walnut. They also included cashew, codfish, peanut, soy, wheat, egg white, and milk. </p> <p>All values were &lt;0.10 KU/L except walnut (1.11 KU/L, II class) and egg white (0.21 KU/L, 0 class). I hope we get an appointment with an allergist soon. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suspected-walnut-allergy-in-2yo-where-to-start#post-2772105 Thu, 07 Sep 2017 11:52:12 +0000 2PeasinaPod 2772105@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@RKitty: That's a great point about being exposed and having a mild reaction, and then being exposed again and having a more severe reaction. I have a friend who ate almonds all of her life, had them as a snack one day and went into anaphylaxis. </p> <p>@Corduroy: to rkitty's point, my son's egg allergy was to the raw protein. He could have baked goods with eggs in them. His allergist explained that when you bake something like eggs, it changes the protein. You can be allergic to both the raw and baked proteins or just one or the other. </p> <p>Hoping you get some more answers as you get your referral. Kaiser is a pain in that you have to stay within the Kaiser network and can't do anything without a referral. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suspected-walnut-allergy-in-2yo-where-to-start#post-2772098 Thu, 07 Sep 2017 11:25:38 +0000 RKitty 2772098@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The problem with allergies is that you can have your allergen several times with no reaction and then one day have a severe reaction. Also you might have a mild reaction (say mild hives) when you are exposed to the allergen so decide to avoid the allergen and then are accidentally exposed... you body then can go into overload and you can have a much more severe reaction then before (anaphylaxis).</p> <p>I knew I sensitive to walnuts and pecans because I knew when I was accidentally exposed to them. (My mouth would get raw and tender) So I wasn't militant about avoiding them since it was such a minor reaction. But then I ate something - and I can only assume it was the pecans in it - and started mildly swelling up in my mouth and throat. Benadryl took care of it. I then went to an allergist and did a skin test. And came up negative. :( I didn't react to anything. But I know I can react because even that accidental exposure that I don't know about causes an reaction! And I was tested for apples which I know trigger migraines (I did a lot of self testing) and had no reaction to them as well. So just be carefully because even if test come back negative there still can be a sensitivity to it.</p> <p>Additionally how the food is prepared can effect the allergy too. I know cooked apples don't effect me as much as fresh ones. And I have a friend who is allergic to garlic but can handle it better if it's cooked or served with a high vinegar dish. So that may be why he didn't react in the past.</p> <p>You may also want to check into something called Oral Allergy Syndrome. Essentially it's where you react to a food but you're not allergic to it you're actually allergic to a pollen. And the food you ate was just cross contaminated with your allergen. For example walnuts are often associated with a birch allergy. </p> <p>Good luck with your son and getting your hubby on board! Hopefully he'll understand how important and serious allergies like this can be. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suspected-walnut-allergy-in-2yo-where-to-start#post-2772090 Thu, 07 Sep 2017 11:01:24 +0000 Corduroy 2772090@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@2PeasinaPod: Thanks. I'm slowly getting information from my medical provider (Kaiser). DS's doctor was out of the office until yesterday. She said we will be referred to an allergist after the results of the blood test come in. I saw on his blood draw request pumpkin seeds (but not other tree nuts) were also included. </p> <p>I'll ask the allergist for more clarification on the epinephrine. The doctor I spoke to and the pharmacist said store one at home and carry one. Give one dose and go to the ER. I have seen online lots of people advise carrying 2. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suspected-walnut-allergy-in-2yo-where-to-start#post-2772083 Thu, 07 Sep 2017 10:11:23 +0000 2PeasinaPod 2772083@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Corduroy: I'm so sorry you have to deal with this! My son had an egg allergy that he grew out of and a tree nut allergy. He's also had a few tree nuts before without a reaction, but when he had cashews, that's what made him have a severe reaction and warrant a trip to the hospital. </p> <p>As an FYI, you should keep the 2 pack of epi-pens together. They're made in a 2 pack because if your child has a reaction, and the single dose of epinephrine doesn't resolve his issues, you have a second dose you can give him on the way to the hospital. If your son ever has a reaction in which you need to use an epi-pen, you need to take him to the ER immediately, and the second dose is there in case you need it. </p> <p>I would also take your son to see an allergist. They can do the skin test, then the blood test to see what the allergens are. I had LO tested for all of the common food allergies once he had the reaction to cashews. The most common are dairy, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, shellfish, sesame, and I think I'm missing one or two. He tested positive for cashews, pistachios, and mildly for walnuts and pecans. I'm going to keep monitoring him for the walnuts and pecans with his allergist so that we can eventually do a challenge in her office.</p> <p>Food allergies are definitely nothing to mess around with. If he truly is allergic to walnuts, you'll want to check everything he's eating to be sure there aren't any tree nuts in them. If you have an allergist, they will give you a sheet to give to day care called an allergy action plan. It walks them through the steps and gives them instructions on what to watch out for if they suspect they've ingested an allergen. Your DCP is not a medical professional, so she isn't the one who is to determine whether or not he had an allergy based on what she's given him to eat. DH will also need to get on board if the allergist does come back with severe allergies to a nut. </p> <p>PM me with any questions you might have! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suspected-walnut-allergy-in-2yo-where-to-start#post-2771855 Wed, 06 Sep 2017 10:02:55 +0000 Adira 2771855@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Corduroy: Yes, an allergist will probably do a skin prick test to confirm the allergy. Skin prick tests very rarely produce false negatives, though false positives are pretty common. A negative though would help you rule out the cause of the allergy. I think false negatives are more common in blood tests, so I definitely understand why your doctor would suggest continuing to avoid these, regardless of the results! Good luck. &lt;3 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suspected-walnut-allergy-in-2yo-where-to-start#post-2771851 Wed, 06 Sep 2017 09:56:53 +0000 Corduroy 2771851@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: It is definitely possible that the walnut was just stuck in his throat. Hopefully the allergen test will give us some clarity. The doctor said regardless of test results we should proceed as if he is allergic to walnuts, hazelnuts, sesame, and sunflower because of false negatives. I hope when we see an allergist we can narrow that down. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suspected-walnut-allergy-in-2yo-where-to-start#post-2771841 Wed, 06 Sep 2017 09:33:41 +0000 Adira 2771841@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Corduroy: Sesame is a pretty common allergen too - is it possible the walnut was just stuck in his throat and the allergic reaction was to the bread he ate after? Not knowing the exact culprit is so frustrating! Sounds like your doctor has a good plan, though hopefully they will also refer you to an allergist. Good luck. My youngest is allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, and sesame, so I'm here if you need to talk! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suspected-walnut-allergy-in-2yo-where-to-start#post-2771839 Wed, 06 Sep 2017 09:22:09 +0000 Corduroy 2771839@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: He had eaten breakfast with oatmeal, blueberry, and apple. All foods that he has on a fairly regular basis. Then grandma gave him a small piece of walnut and I was watching him closely for choking hazard reasons. Within a minute he told me there was something in his throat and he started freaking out a little but he was still breathing normally. I gave water and milk to try to wash it down. Then my dad suggested giving him a piece of bread to catch whatever was in his throat. I did that but the store had been out of the bread we usually buy and I purchased Nut and Seed bread instead. He washed the walnut down with bread that contained walnut, hazelnut, sunflower seed, and sesame seed. Right after that we noticed his chin was bright red and his face started to swell and he broke out in hives. We're avoiding, and testing for, walnut, hazelnut, sunflower seed, and sesame seed but my family and the doctor thought that because of the choking feeling first with the plain walnut it was most likely. </p> <p>The DCP knowing she's fed him walnuts changes the likelihood of walnuts being the culprit (before I was pretty certain that he had had walnuts but I couldn't pinpoint a specific instance). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suspected-walnut-allergy-in-2yo-where-to-start#post-2771788 Wed, 06 Sep 2017 06:00:05 +0000 Adira 2771788@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Corduroy: First of all, I'm so sorry you are dealing with this. Food allergies suck.</p> <p>Why do you think his allergic reaction was to walnuts? Just curious, since your DCP has said he's had walnuts before without any reaction. Did he have something else with the walnuts this time that he could have reacted to?</p> <p>Definitely see an allergist and get an allergy action plan. Your allergist will go over his history and what could have triggered the reaction, and then probably do a skin test to confirm the allergy. They may also do a blood test to get your numbers. But they'll go over all of this with you and give you tips and tricks on what to do going forward.</p> <p>This is a fantastic resource for dealing with food allergies: <a href="https://www.foodallergy.org/" rel="nofollow">https://www.foodallergy.org/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suspected-walnut-allergy-in-2yo-where-to-start#post-2771780 Tue, 05 Sep 2017 23:55:14 +0000 Corduroy 2771780@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks for the feedback and support ladies. </p> <p>@Bernieboo: We did get two 2-pack prescription so we will be able to keep one at home, daycare, and with us. I haven't carried a purse in 5 years but I guess I'll get back in that habit. </p> <p>I did talk to DCP at pickup today. She started out by saying she knows he's not allergic to walnuts and my heart sank because if she thinks that I know I'll need to find someone else. She told me she's fed him walnuts on multiple occasions along with other tree nuts. I'll assume it was after I gave the go ahead for all food, which I did. She said she wouldn't feed him tree nuts again but if she won't believe he's allergic I'm not sure I can trust the level of care. </p> <p>We have the blood test this week but as soon as I get an allergist appointment I'll find out about additional testing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suspected-walnut-allergy-in-2yo-where-to-start#post-2771746 Tue, 05 Sep 2017 18:27:29 +0000 Bernieboo 2771746@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>#1 see an allergist!!! I have a couple of life threatening allergies and my allergist is seriously wonderful. She is so good at explaining things and I've even had an appt for my daughter (almost 1) to discuss introducing foods, etc. They know so much more about this than any PCP.</p> <p>As for the Epi, try to get your Dr to write you for a couple. I keep one on me at all times (in my purse), but before we lived together, my husband kept one at his house. I also keep one at my mom's. That might ease some of your anxiety. Regarding checking foods, you'll just get used to it. I can't have barley and, at first, I was so worried about it, I checked everything. Now it's been 3 ish years since that reaction and I pretty much know now what kinds of things are likely to have barley. It's just something you get used to. As for your DH, it's really important that he realizes how serious it is. Subsequent exposures often result in a more serious reaction. My first reaction to msg was just hives, but subsequent reactions have included difficulty breathing. I would make sure he attends the appt with the allergist, so he can understand.</p> <p>Good luck! You will adjust in no time! While it's tough now, you'll get used to it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suspected-walnut-allergy-in-2yo-where-to-start#post-2771741 Tue, 05 Sep 2017 18:05:09 +0000 charlotte 2771741@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ditto @LulaBee's response</p> <p>-see an allergist for a full work up. At ours, if skin tests are positive they will follow up with blood work and based on all of that info may or may not order a food challenge at some point</p> <p>-be sure to get a clear "allergy action plan" that makes it easy for you guys to decide whether to use Benadryl, epi pen, etc based on symptoms. Ours says a few hives, give Benadryl and monitor. Multiple body systems = give epi pen immediately. </p> <p>-find articles for your husband about how reactions can increase in severity and how Benadryl can mask symptoms of anaphylaxis. Our allergist also sent us home with tons of info and handouts. </p> <p>-you will learn what your "safe" foods are and adapt quickly! Most products are well labeled for treenuts. Out and about I would for sure avoid baked goods from unknown sources. Carrying the epi pen isn't so bad. We have an LL bean tote we take everywhere we go with a safe snacks, his water bottle and epi pens + Benadryl + action plan. </p> <p>It gets easier, I promise ! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suspected-walnut-allergy-in-2yo-where-to-start#post-2771693 Tue, 05 Sep 2017 14:13:04 +0000 LulaBee 2771693@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm sorry that you're dealing with this.</p> <p>I would ask for a referral to an allergist. They will do a skin test (as opposed to a blood test which can show up false positives- a blood test showed false positives for my daughter). </p> <p>I think you should absolutely take it seriously and get your DH to as well- there is plenty of info out there about food allergies... the thing is, even if you've NEVER had a reaction or had a mild one, you never know how bad a next reaction could be.</p> <p>As far as carrying the epi-pen and looking at ingredients- it's just kind of a new way of living. You get used to it. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/suspected-walnut-allergy-in-2yo-where-to-start#post-2771659 Tue, 05 Sep 2017 12:53:44 +0000 Corduroy 2771659@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My DS had what seemed to be an allergic reaction to walnuts on Sunday. 24 hours of Benadryl took care of it but the doctor thought his reaction warranted an EpiPen prescription and avoidance of any potential causes even though we're pretty confident on the walnuts. We will be doing a blood draw this week to test for antibodies (I think). </p> <p>My mind is going in all sorts of directions and I don't know what I should be doing next. Or if I should be acting as if it's over and done with like DH. (e.g. Benadryl worked, what's the big deal?) What questions should I be asking and where should I start learning more? </p> <p>I'm confused on the allergen testing because the doctor we dealt with on Sunday said the test will show a lot of false negatives and I thought when we were considering testing for DD I had been told there was risk of false positives. Are there multiple kinds of tests?</p> <p>I notified daycare and they are requesting a form from their licensing office for me to complete - I assume for the EpiPen. Are there any materials I can provide to daycare? Compliance has been an issue in the past with DD's sensitivities but the risk was lower. </p> <p>I've never been one of those prepared moms that has their shit together so I'm worried that I'm going to suck at carrying an EpiPen around and making sure I know what he's eating. </p> <p>While I'm sure I'm on the overreacting side of the spectrum right now I'm frustrated that DH shares zero anxiety about any of this. It seems like a lot of work. How do you balance the responsibilities of this with your partner? </p>