Do Children Outgrow Food Allergies?

by Allergy Partners
June 5, 2023

Learn About the Factors That Impact Allergy Remission

Food allergies can be a scary thing to face, especially when it comes to our children. But the good news is that food allergies often don’t last forever, and children can sometimes outgrow them. So, you may be wondering, “Will my children really outgrow their food allergies?” The answer varies from person to person, but with careful management of triggers and knowing what’s safe for your child’s diet, you can make progress toward minimizing the effects of any existing food allergy your child has.

In this post, we’ll discuss what factors determine whether or not a child will likely outgrow their food allergy as well as tips on how they can do so safely and effectively.

Factors that Impact Outgrowing Food Allergies

The promise of outgrowing a food allergy can be determined by several factors:

• A child’s age
• The severity of the reaction
• The type of allergen they are exposed to

These three factors will help determine the likelihood that your child’s allergies will go into remission. Those with allergies to milk, egg, or soy may have a greater opportunity at overcoming them while those allergic specifically to peanuts, tree nuts fish, or shellfish, unfortunately, lack much hope in this regard.

When to Expect Possible Relief

Though the chances of outgrowing food allergies can be unpredictable, research shows that most children are likely to find relief from cow’s milk and egg allergies by age 6. Wheat allergy may take longer in more allergic kids but still reaches an 80% resolution rate at 5 years old. However, IgE-mediated milk allergy is often resolved much sooner – with nearly 76% of sufferers finding freedom around age 3!

For children with allergies to milk and eggs, there is hope: research has demonstrated that by introducing foods that have been heated – such as cooked or baked items – their development of tolerance can be sped up, helping them ‘outgrow’ the allergy more quickly. However, this should only ever occur under medical supervision from a board-certified allergist.

Unfortunately, peanut allergies are typically lifelong conditions; although around 25% of affected kids may eventually outgrow it before turning 8 years old, if they haven’t done so by 10, it becomes highly unlikely for any further developments in terms of diminishing sensitivity levels. The same generally holds true when considering tree nuts and shellfish – studies suggest these remain fairly constant throughout life unless new treatments become available through ongoing scientific advances.

Better Understand Allergies with the Help of Allergy Partners

In conclusion, although children may outgrow food allergies with time, there is no guarantee. Childhood is an essential time for development and growth, and being properly informed about food allergies will help ensure children’s safety during these formative years. Allergy Partners provides outstanding services to accommodate helping families understand and address food allergies, from food allergy testing to managing reactions should they occur. Researching information from reputable sources can provide further insight into food allergies, giving parents comfort in knowing they are on the right track for their children’s health and well-being.

For more information on the various allergy treatments that Allergy Partners offers or other inquiries relating to food allergies in childhood, do not hesitate to contact your local office today!

Dr. Richard Wasserman Discusses Food Oral Immunotherapy

by Allergy Partners
May 29, 2023

Dr. Richard Wasserman with Allergy Partners of North Texas, was interviewed at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology recently to discuss Food Oral Immunotherapy for the treatment of food allergies.

Dr. Wasserman is part of the Allergy Partners network of physicians and practices across the US and many Allergy Partners offices are now offering this innovative therapy. Visit www.allergypartners.com/locations to find a location near you.

Can You Become Dependent on Asthma Medication?

by Allergy Partners
May 7, 2023

Allergy Partners’ Myth Busters Explore

Are you among the millions of people struggling with asthma? If so, you may be familiar with its often-debilitating symptoms, from shortness of breath to chest tightness. You may also feel your day-to-day life is affected by it – perhaps more than you’d like. Many find respite using prescription medications designed to help manage their condition, but can these drugs potentially lead to dependence? The idea that one can become dependent on asthma medication is likely the result of a few misunderstandings.

Medication Dependency & Inhalers

First, the concern about dependency on medication is not unique to asthma patients, as it is a true concern for people taking a range of medications. Given the vast differences in properties and mechanisms of action between medicines, they cannot be generalized as such. When steroid controller inhalers are used properly, symptoms should be minimized, and the need for a rescue inhaler should be rare.

The sensation of dependency often comes when someone is not controlled and need their rescue inhaler frequently. This leads to the feeling that they are becoming dependent on their rescue inhaler. The underlying issue is that asthma control can change due to a variety of factors and their increased rescue inhaler use is the result of that, which needs to be addressed by a physician.

Prolonged overuse of rescue inhalers influences the site where it acts in our bodies, leading to a tolerance for this medicine. But contrary to what some may believe, there is no evidence that suggests one can become dependent on their asthma medication; rather, this myth rises from an urge by those suffering from asthma to dissociate themselves from the illness and not accept that it’s chronic.

Asthma Myth: Busted!

Despite the common perception that someone can become dependent on their asthma medication, this is simply not true. Asthma medications are designed to be used as prescribed, and research has shown no lasting health effects from long-term use. These medications help people with asthma maintain their quality of life by helping to control their symptoms and prevent long-term damage to their lung function. With careful management and monitoring, an allergist can help you keep your asthma under control without overusing or becoming dependent on these treatments.

Allergy Partners Can Assist with Your Asthma Struggles

Allergy Partners is the nation’s leading provider of allergy and asthma care, and we have offices across the United States. Each of our local teams has the backing of our expansive network of board-certified physicians, and together they work to deliver the most effective treatments.

To learn more about asthma treatments and how we can help you manage your symptoms, reach out to your local Allergy Partners office to schedule an appointment.