Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics

Douglas McMahon, MD

By Douglas McMahon, MD, CMO, Allergy and Asthma Center of Minnesota; President, Minnesota Allergy Society
“Why does it seem like everyone has food allergies now, when I grew up nobody had food allergies,” a frustrated mother asked me recently. She is not alone. As a pediatric allergy specialist I am seeing the great increase in food allergies on a daily basis.
Almost every day I see a child with allergies to one of the big five: cow’s milk, hen’s egg, wheat, soy and peanuts. In fact the rate of food allergies has almost doubled over the last 20 years. However, we may be able to help this trend.

Many studies show that earlier introduction of foods may help prevent food allergies. This trend started gaining steam after a physician recognized that children in other countries who were fed foods with peanut products at a very early age did not develop peanut allergies.
Now the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has rescinded their previous statements in recommending the delayed introduction of highly allergenic foods. The AAP currently recommends introducing solid foods at age 6 months and exposing the baby to a variety of foods.
If a child already has food allergies all hope is not lost. The majority of children who have an allergy to hen’s egg, cow’s milk, wheat and soy will outgrow this allergy. A high percentage will lose this sensitivity around age 5, but it does appear this age is increasing. 
Some children who have an allergy to either cow’s milk or hen’s egg are able to tolerate these products in the baked form. This not only opens a large area of foods, but also regular ingestion of these baked forms can speed the resolution of the allergy all together. Those with egg or milk allergy should see a board-certified allergy specialist to see if baked egg or baked milk can be added to the diet.
Unfortunately, the majority of infants and children with peanut or tree nut allergies will not outgrow their allergy. However, many studies are showing promising results looking at desensitization. This entails, in a doctor’s office or hospital setting, giving incremental doses of the allergenic food. Many academic centers are investigating different protocols and are having various degrees of success. As of right now this is still not a recommended practice, but I assume it will be in the very near future. 
This is an exciting time in regards to food allergies in that we will hopefully find ways to help the millions of children and their families that are affected. To keep up to date on food allergies, follow my blogs at allergymn.com.

Food Allergies in Kids

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Pediatric Physician

Partners in Pediatrics, Ltd. is seeking a full time BC/BE Pediatrician. The standard work week for a full-time pediatrician is 4 days a week plus a rotation of nights and weekends. Night and weekend shifts are shared equally among all providers. The salary package is competitive. You will have paid time off (PTO) and be given a CME allowance as well as CME days to further your medical education. We offer health, dental, disability and life insurance. You will also be eligible for a lucrative profit sharing 401(k). For inquiries, please contact our recruiting leads, Dr. Lisa Irvin at lirvin@pipstop.com and Dr. Megan Camerino at mcarmerino@pipstop.com

BC/BE Pediatrician

We’re excited to announce an opening for a Communications Manager at the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (MNAAP). This part-time, remote role is a unique opportunity for a communications professional with at least five years of experience, who is passionate about advancing child health through advocacy, education, and special projects.

Douglas McMahon, MD Updates

Food Allergies in Kids