by Childrens Hospital Boston staff on August 4, 2011
Written by Joshua Feblowitz, a Thriving contributor who has lived with severe food allergies his whole life.
image: flikr/Amarand Agasi
As food-allergic children reach their teens, they face many new challenges in allergy management, including a first date and even a first kiss, both of which hold hidden dangers. For parents, these romantic milestones can be especially stressful because they happen outside of their watchful, protective view.
Unfortunately for food-allergic teens, dating frequently involves dining out and all the potential allergens that come with it. In addition, research and personal anecdote has shown that kissing can sometimes cause a cross-contact reaction. On top of these dangers, teens are generally known to take more risks when it comes to their allergies or feel self-conscious about them. As a result they may resist previously established rules around exposure, or be shy explaining their dietary needs, which can lead to trouble.
So, what’s a worried parent to do? The simple truth is, as teens start dating (and being more socially independent in general), they must also start learning how to manage food allergies on their own. Here are a few things you can do as a parent to help navigate this transition safely, smoothly and with minimal conflict: Full story »
Brett Nasuti is Children’s first patient to go through a new trial that could cure him of his severe food allergy. In this final video on our series, Brett finds out if he passes the final milk challenge in the study—which culminates in him drinking a full 8-ounce glass of milk—and if he’s cured. If he passes the challenge, there’s an enormous pizza party in store for him.
Click here to read our story about Brett, Children’s milk allergy trial and experts’ latest thinking about food allergies. Full story »
Brett Nasuti is the first patient to participate in a milk desensitization study at Children’s. In this video—the third in our Milk Allergy series—Brett takes his very first (tiny) sips of cow’s milk. Watch to see how he tolerates the allergen.
To watch last week’s video about Children’s Allergy Program’s Director, Lynda Schneider, MD, discussing the study, click here.
To see the first video, in which Brett and his mom, Robyn, talk about what it’s been like for their family to live with his life-threatening condition and their hopes for the trial’s outcome, click here.
To read Robyn’s account of what it was like when she found out about Brett’s severe allergies, read an excerpt from her diary.
Check back next week to see the Nasuti family take on their regular challenge of food shopping—no easy feat, considering that two out of the three Nasuti children have life-threatening food allergies.
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Do you have a Children's Hospital Boston story you'd like heard? By sharing your Children's story you can be a great source of inspiration and encouragement to families who are going through similar situations. And it’s a great way to find support by connecting with others. Share your story today »
