Seeking Clarification from an Allergist
Location: Canada About Me: I am a 28-year-old woman, standing at 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 145 pounds. My medical background includes Hashimoto's thyroiditis, dyshidrotic eczema, persistent constipation, ADHD, and depression. My current medications include 60 mg of Vyvanse, 150 mg of Pristiq, 75 mcg of Synthroid, 50 mg of Seroquel, and daily doses of PEG. About My Son: He is an 18-month-old boy weighing 24 pounds. His pregnancy was healthy, and he was delivered full-term, but an emergency C-section became necessary due to fetal distress during labor. He has a history of chronic constipation and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). His medications include vitamin D and Gaviscone, with previous PEG treatment halted after we eliminated dairy from his diet. I've taken my son to an allergist regarding his long-standing issues with constipation, partly because we noticed some improvement in his condition after we removed dairy from his diet. Although a skin test did not indicate an allergy, the allergist expressed concerns about my own potential dairy allergy based on our histories, suggesting that my son might remain sensitive to dairy until his immune system fully develops around ages 3 to 5. The allergist explained how my long-term unrecognized dairy consumption may have put a strain on my immune system, leading to my Hashimoto’s disease and eczema. Remarkably, I was treated for hypothyroidism for almost a decade with Synthroid while my thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies remained negative. It was only three years ago that I started testing positive for TPO and subsequently received a Hashimoto's diagnosis. The allergist suggested that my hypothyroidism might have been reversible had I avoided dairy, which ultimately contributed to my immune system attacking itself. When I inquired about the necessity of an allergy skin test for myself, the allergist recommended I see an immunologist instead. He further speculated that my depression and ADHD could be linked to my dairy allergy, given that allergies can impact the gastrointestinal system (which could explain the constipation), the skin (in relation to eczema), and the neurological system (concerning my mental health). I recently adopted a dairy-free diet but find it challenging and limiting. It’s only been about three weeks, and the allergist indicated that I should wait four to six weeks to notice any changes. If I were to reintroduce dairy into my diet, could this genuinely heighten my chances of developing more autoimmune issues? I have struggled to locate any scientific literature or medical articles to support the claims made by the allergist, yet I hesitate to question his expertise since he specializes in allergies. How credible are his assertions?
Answers (1)
2/8/2026, 3:50:33 AM
OpenHealth AI
Your concerns about potential dairy allergies for both you and your son are understandable, especially given the connection between diet and autoimmune conditions. Here’s a breakdown of your situation:
Main Points:
- You are exploring the implications of dairy in your diet due to your autoimmune conditions.
- Your son may have sensitivities rather than allergies, which could improve with time.
- There are questions about the credibility of the allergist's claims regarding dairy and autoimmune issues.
Explanation:
-
Dairy and Autoimmunity: While some studies suggest that dietary factors, including dairy, may influence autoimmune diseases, definitive evidence specifically linking dairy consumption to Hashimoto's or similar issues is limited. The allergist's insights about your dairy intake impacting your immune system might be more anecdotal without substantial scientific backing.
-
Allergic Reactions vs. Sensitivities: Allergy skin tests and IgE testing are useful for identifying immediate allergic reactions but don’t always capture sensitivities or delayed reactions related to autoimmune conditions.
-
Impacts on Mental Health and Skin Conditions: It’s known that food sensitivities can sometimes exacerbate skin or gastrointestinal issues. While there’s some evidence that diet can impact mood and cognitive functions, more research is needed to fully understand the relationships involved.
-
Child’s Sensitivity: It is common for children to outgrow certain food sensitivities, particularly as their immune systems mature. The suggestion that he may remain sensitive to dairy until his immune system is fully developed is in line with pediatric understanding.
Next Steps:
-
Continue Your Dairy-Free Diet: Since you’ve been dairy-free for three weeks, try to remain dairy-free for at least another 1-3 weeks. Monitoring any changes in your symptoms (skin, gastrointestinal, mood) can provide helpful insights.
-
Keep a Symptom Diary: Document any changes in both your and your son's symptoms. Noting when symptoms improve or worsen can help in communicating with healthcare providers.
-
Research & Seek a Second Opinion: If you feel conflicted about the allergist's advice, consider consulting another specialist, such as a nutritionist or a different allergist, to gain more perspectives on the dairy link to autoimmune issues.
-
Discuss Immunologist Referral: Considering the allergist's recommendation, see an immunologist who may further explore immune-related implications concerning both your autoimmune conditions and food sensitivities.
-
Prioritize Self-Care: Managing your overall health, including addressing ADHD and depression, is essential. This may involve therapy, lifestyle changes, or optimizing your current treatments, all of which can ultimately support your immune health.
If you have further questions or need more information, feel free to ask. It's important to focus on what works best for you and your family's health.
Related Questions
Concerns About a Possible Earring Infection
At 16 years old, I’m worried that my new earring may be infected, but I'm uncertain about what is considered normal at this stage. The piercing was done about a week ago. Initially, it had a screw-type earring, which was later changed to a barbell, and I had it downsized just a few days back. I am also unclear on the term "threading" concerning jewelry, and I wonder if the type of metal used could be affecting the situation. For aftercare, I’ve been applying hydrogen peroxide and cleaning it with warm soapy water. About five days post-piercing, I experienced significant pain. To address this, I removed the jewelry for cleansing, and an alarming amount of thick discharge came out, along with a crusty accumulation around the piercing. There was also some bleeding upon removal. Afterward, I reinserted the earring. Currently, there’s a brownish hue around the piercing that resembles dried blood (only directly at the site, not spreading), and it remains tender and inflamed. Could this be indicative of an infection, mere irritation, or just part of the healing process? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. (Additionally, I am not on any medication or supplements.)
Severe Itching and Swelling Around the Eyes
I am a 28-year-old individual, standing at 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 150 pounds. I do not smoke and consume alcohol on occasion. I’m trying to understand what might be causing my eye problems. For nearly a month, my eyelids have experienced extreme itching, and they frequently swell, likely due to my persistent rubbing and scratching. The skin around my eyelids also appears dry and flaky, even though I apply Eucerin or Aquaphor regularly. This isn’t the first time I’ve experienced such issues; I've had periodic flare-ups over the past few years, though they typically occur during times of stress or in colder temperatures. However, this particular episode is more severe than anything I've previously faced. After consulting with my primary care physician early on, I was diagnosed with eczema and prescribed hydrocortisone valerate. Unfortunately, that treatment, along with a 1% hydrocortisone cream, has not alleviated the itching. It feels excessive for eczema, so I'm wondering what other conditions could be responsible for my symptoms or how I might find relief from the irritation and swelling.
Advice Needed: Over-the-Counter Treatment for Potential Roundworm Exposure
I'm a 19-year-old female currently using Nexplanon as my only form of birth control. I initially sought advice on a different account but didn’t receive the guidance I needed. After some time and additional insights, I’m reaching out again. I’ve been house sitting for my mother from Wednesday until Monday, when I’ll be returning home. Yesterday, one of her cats threw up a roundworm, which has led me to believe that the other cats might also be affected. It’s causing me a significant amount of anxiety, as I have a strong aversion to parasites and I’m worried about how to clean my belongings once I return. To be on the safe side, I’d prefer to take a one-time over-the-counter medication as a preventive measure. I’ve come across Reece's pinworm treatment, which claims effectiveness against roundworms. Is this a viable option? Or would you suggest a better alternative? I must mention that obtaining a prescription or visiting a doctor isn’t feasible for me right now. Additionally, I want to clarify, to those who may be concerned, that all of the cats will be taken to the vet. They are not my pets, so I can’t address the situation for them immediately.
Understanding Swelling Near a Pimple: What Should You Do?
I am a 23-year-old female, with an average build, who does not smoke and takes no medications. Recently, I experienced a large and deep pimple situated just above my nose, adjacent to my eyebrow. Unfortunately, this pimple did not develop a visible head, and despite my attempts with warm compresses and a little bit of picking, it remained persistent. In the past couple of days, I noticed a semi-firm, movable swollen line emerging from the pimple and extending down the side of my nose toward my eye. This line has slowly increased in length, is slightly tender when touched, and is not visible on the surface of my skin. The only observable sign is a hint of redness on the pimple itself. I’m aware that issues around the eye and nose can be concerning due to the risk of potential skin infections or bacterial complications. 1. What might be the underlying cause of this swelling? 2. Is this situation serious enough that I should seek immediate medical attention, or can I simply monitor it for now?
Should I Be Concerned About These Skin Issues?
Age: 19, Weight: 107 lbs, Height: 5'4" I have several infected areas in the dermis of my skin located on my ankles and upper arms. While they don’t appear overly severe apart from some pus, I'm feeling a bit anxious. Just yesterday, I experienced welts and significant itching that moved across my body, starting from my head to my neck, then down to my back and feet. After taking Reactine, the irritation subsided after approximately an hour. Earlier that same day, I noticed itching and welts on my chest, although they didn't spread further. I don’t have any known allergies and cannot pinpoint what might have triggered this reaction, but I understand infections can sometimes lead to such symptoms. Currently, I have a mild fever, around 37.4 degrees Celsius, along with muscle soreness, though I'm unsure if they are associated with the skin infections. Are these symptoms concerning? Should I be vigilant for any other signs related to the infections or welts?