Diagnosing all allergies early, not just peanuts, could help your child

By Keith Loria

A nationwide survey by the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology discovered that more than half - 54.6 percent - of all U.S. citizens test positive for one or more allergens, with food allergies representing almost half of the positive tests.

While recent research shows that 1.4 percent of children younger than 18 have a peanut allergy, there are a number of other foods that parents need to worry about. Allergies to egg, milk, soy, wheat, peanut and tree nuts represent 90 percent of all food allergies in children.

Dr. Robert L. Levy, MD, selected as a Chicago Top Doctor by TopTierMD as a top rated pediatrician, considered an expert in the field when dealing with children who suffer from food allergies, says there are some advanced studies being done today on food decentralization.

“There are interesting studies being done on the introduction of foods as to the prevention of allergic reactions later on,” Dr. Levy said. “They look at the questions of whether it’s better to introduce foods earlier rather than later in life. That’s an issue that has been going back and forth in studies.  

“This is an area that all parents and the children need to be aware of and educating them of the dangers is of prime importance,” Dr. Levy said. “Diagnosing what is behind the allergy is the first step. That will be done by talking with patients and not by guessing, as so many parents are prone to do.”

Dr. Robert L. Levy, MD was selected by TopTierMD as a Chicago Top Doctor and is considered to be best in children’s health in Chicago.  He specializes in general pediatrics, the treatment of pediatric allergies and immunology.