Receiving a food allergy diagnosis may impact shopping, lunchtime, dining out, travel, and family activities. Many of the first questions patients ask are, “Can I outgrow my food allergy?” Depending on the food, the patient’s age and previous reaction history, testing, and how the immune system functions over time, some children may outgrow certain food allergies. Allergies to cow’s milk, egg, wheat, and soy are more likely to go away in childhood. Allergies to peanut, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish are more likely to be lifelong. No family should assume that a food allergy is gone by age alone or because they have not consumed the food for a long time. If you are wondering if you or your child can resume eating a food, an allergist can review symptoms and decide whether further testing is appropriate.
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Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
What Does It Mean to Outgrow a Food Allergy?
A person can outgrow a food allergy when the body’s immune system does not respond to a food in a clinically meaningful way. This is also sometimes referred to as developing tolerance. This cannot be determined by just avoiding the food for a period of time, such as months or years. It could simply be the result of not having eaten the food recently, and symptoms could still occur or differ when consumed. A person should follow their food allergy care plan until their allergist can safely add the food back into their diet.
Resource: aaaai.org
Which Food Allergies Are More Likely to Go Away?
Children are more likely to outgrow allergies to:
- Cow’s milk
- Egg
- Wheat
- Soy
Allergies that are more likely to be permanent include:
- Peanut
- Tree nuts
- Fish
- Shellfish
It is important to note that these statistics do not predict what will happen for a specific patient. For example, some children will still have cow’s milk or egg allergies as adults, and patients can outgrow peanut or other specific tree nut allergies at a later date. Food allergies are less likely to resolve if they develop in adults. It is possible for a patient to develop a food allergy to an item they have been eating without issue for years.
Resource: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
How Can an Allergist Tell Whether an Allergy Has Changed?
Food allergy testing begins with a discussion with your allergist to gather more information about your history. Your doctor can ask more specific questions about the reaction, such as:
- What food was the patient eating?
- How much did they consume?
- How quickly did symptoms develop?
- What symptoms did they have?
- Did they require treatment?
Testing can include:
- Skin prick testing
- Blood testing to see how much food-specific IgE is produced
- Component testing for some allergens
- Oral food challenge testing
A negative skin or blood test result does not always mean the food is safe to eat. A positive test result does not mean that the patient will have a reaction when they eat the food. Both test results and patient reaction history must be taken into account together. Changes in test results can help determine whether a patient with a food allergy should be considered for an oral food challenge. It is important to realize that testing can only serve as a guide in determining whether a patient should be considered for a food allergy.
What is an Oral Food Challenge?
An oral food challenge is a medical procedure conducted in a physician’s office or clinical setting, in which the patient ingests small quantities of the food in question at set time intervals under supervision to observe symptoms. If there’s no reaction, the patient receives a larger dose. A food challenge may indicate whether there’s still an allergy or confirm whether the food can be reintroduced into the diet. During the test, staff are present with medications and emergency supplies for treatment if a reaction occurs. You should never try a food challenge at home without specific instructions from an allergist. Home challenges can result in anaphylaxis without access to immediate medical care.
Can Baked Milk or Baked Egg Be Safe?
Certain individuals with milk or egg allergies can tolerate baked versions of the food, such as muffins or cakes. Cooking can alter the proteins in certain food allergens, which can make a reaction less likely for some patients. Even if someone develops a tolerance to baked milk or eggs, they may still need to avoid regular milk, scrambled eggs, and lightly cooked items. An allergist may perform testing or order a supervised baked food challenge to confirm tolerance to these foods. Baked milk or eggs should not be tried at home or without medical guidance.
What Do You Do While You’re Waiting?
Continue to avoid the known food allergen, and always read the product ingredients, as formulas and manufacturing processes can change. Speak with a restaurant staff member about food ingredients, use of shared grills, and possible cross-contact. Patients on prescription epinephrine should always carry their prescription and know how to use it. Caregivers, teachers, parents and other trusted adults must have a copy of the patient’s anaphylaxis action plan. Your allergist will tell you when to retest, which depends on the food, the patient’s age, asthma and eczema, the severity of previous reactions, and previous test results.
Food Allergy FAQs
Can You Suddenly Stop Being Allergic to a Food?
Yes, food allergies can resolve, especially during childhood. Consult an allergist before reintroducing the food into the diet.
At What Age Do Children Outgrow Food Allergies?
There is no specific time at which a child is no longer allergic to a food. Milk, egg, wheat, and soy allergies usually resolve, but some can persist into adolescence and beyond.
Can Adults Outgrow Food Allergies?
It is possible, though food allergies during adulthood tend to be long-lasting. Your allergist can recommend re-testing.
Does a Lower Blood Test Result Mean the Food Allergy Has Gone?
No. Although a lower food-specific IgE test result can be promising, it does not indicate whether the food is safe for a patient to eat.
Is It Safe to Test a Food Allergy at Home?
No. If a patient reintroduces a known food allergen at home, they could experience a dangerous reaction. An oral food challenge under medical supervision is the safest way to know if your food allergy has gone.
Resource: medlineplus.gov
Can Future Reactions Be More Serious?
Yes. The likelihood and seriousness of a food allergy reaction cannot be predicted from prior allergy reactions. Patients and parents should know how to recognize the early signs of anaphylaxis and carry and use epinephrine as directed by an allergist.
Food Allergy Evaluation
If you have questions about whether you or your child may have outgrown a food allergy, it’s important to get the answers through appropriate medical testing. Asthma and Allergy Associates, P.C. has board-certified allergists and nutritionists who provide allergy and asthma treatment to the communities of Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Cañon City and beyond. Contact us to schedule an appointment for food allergy testing.