Many parents are faced with the challenges of allergies in their children. From switching infant formulas to diagnosing food allergies versus food intolerances. Compounded by seasonal allergies this time of year.

So today we bring you an extraordinary expert to answer your questions from preventing allergies in infancy to managing food and seasonal allergies, to understanding the options in allergy treatment.

Dr. Hugh A. Sampson is an eminent leader in the field of allergy disorders. He is the Kurt Hirschhorn Professor of Pediatrics at the Icahn School of Medicine in New York. He has over 40 years’ research experience in food allergy disorders. He has authored or coauthored more than 550 articles, 90 book chapters, and 5 books.

The most common food allergies in children are to peanuts, milk and eggs. Both eggs and milk tend to resolve by age 10 but not peanut allergies which can last a lifetime. Most children who have allergies tend to be allergic to more than one but don’t overinterpret test results. Work with your allergist to determine food tolerance and a registered dietitian to evaluate nutritional completeness of your child’s diet.

Cashew allergies are on the rise as are allergies in children in general. It is unknown why but one theory is that we are too clean.

Research has shown that when babies from 4-6 months old are exposed to peanut protein, they can develop tolerance. This concept of early introduction is being studied for other foods.

For seasonal allergies, when buds are on the trees, start a regime of antihistamines on a regular basis until the pollen is gone. Avoid opening windows in the early morning when pollen is highest. Air-conditioner and air-purifiers can help with pollen but not as much with dust mites. Washing sheets often helps. Eye drops and allergy shots also help.

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