On allergies and intolerances

[lunalovegoddess]

My daughter: dairy, penicillin, Hawaiian punch (no clue)
My son: lactose, penicillin, possibly grapefruit and certain detergents
Me: lactose, penicillin, benadryl, percocet, HFCS, cinnamon oil, dust, molds and mildews

Yesterday, my son broke out in hives after consuming a grapefruit, something which he doesn't have often. I thought that it might be a reaction to laundry detergent, as it covered his back, shoulders, neck and stomach. But upon waking this morning, I remembered that I'd given him one of my grapefruits and a citrus sipper after school. (Also that I know people who have citrus allergies.) Assuming it was an allergy, I gave him claritin and spread the aloe gel on him to relieve symptoms. Rash nearly gone by morning. Will follow up with his doctor.

That morning, however, I had gone to the nutritionist and explained my symptoms and how I wanted to make sure that I was getting the right nutrients. She advised adding more nondairy products to my diet and going for allergy testing, including gluten, as she sees many people who are lactose-intolerant develop a gluten sensitivity. (My joint pain and other issues seem to be red flags, in her opinion.) If that is the case, then at least I have a good support system on livejournal and facebook of celiacs.

Comments

[luna-manar.livejournal.com]

My husband is gluten intolerant, and originally thought he was lactose intolerant. As it turns out, he was not; the gluten allergy damaged the lining of his intestines and essentially made him intolerant to a lot of other foods, including dairy products. Once he quit the wheat entirely, he was able to eat other things he previously had been unable to eat.

Not saying that's the case with you, but you made me think of it, so I said it. :}

[lunalovegoddess.livejournal.com]

thanks- I appreciate the input.
Also, I've finding that a lot of bread products contain high fructose corn syrup, which I know makes me ill. So I'll be reading ingredient lists more carefully now.

As for my son, I retested him with grapefruit and he had no reaction, so I'm going to assume it was the detergent for now.