My daughter has just been diagnosed with a peanut and cashew allergy at seven months (despite early introduction!). We are introducing the other main allergens into her diet regularly, but what is the likelihood that she will go on to develop further food allergies?
–TC
I’m sorry you are dealing with this. In the (appropriate) excitement about the possibilities with early allergen introduction, we shouldn’t forget that even with this, there will still be allergies.
This is a tricky question to answer. When people have one food allergy, they often avoid other possibly allergenic foods (which, paradoxically, can make it worse). It sounds like you are not doing that, and if you’re consistently feeding your child other common allergens (eggs, wheat, milk), this is the best way to avoid those allergies.
There is a strong correlation between peanut and tree nut allergies in particular (estimates suggest that about 30% of kids with peanut allergies also have allergies to at least one tree nut). You’re already in this group. The data is less precise, but it also seems like egg allergies are more likely in kids with peanut allergies. Again, if you’re introducing these other common allergens early on, you’re doing all you can (and if your child is so far tolerating them, that’s excellent!).
The other risk to be aware of: kids with food allergies are more prone to asthma and eczema as they get older. This is something that your pediatrician will likely keep an eye on.
Very best of luck, and if you’re thinking about oral immunotherapy for treating this, we have a long explainer here.
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