A concerned parent approached me today. He reported that no matter how many doctors they went to see, no one could find the source of his son’s allergies. At the ripe old age of 3 years, his son was already well on his ways to a myriad of suppressive therapies including antihistamines. This parent was very frustrated for his son and said that these methods were not even helping and his son continued to struggle with upper respitory congestion as well as gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, cramping, flatulence, etc.) on a frequent basis. He explained that the intolerance to milk was identified early with first consumption because his son could not consume milk without vomiting immediately. I advised this parent that there are many causes for allergies and intolerances and that he needed to obtain a few comprehensive tests to get a better idea of what the cause(s) of his son’s condition could be.
Initial areas of analysis and investigation should include gut function and possible bacterial or parasitic infections, food allergies, environmental sensitivities, and metabolic disorders. I also suggested that sound nutrition be focused on in parallel with other efforts as it plays a critical role in improvement. This protocol is also applicable in adult patients although each patient, no matter the age, is an individual case which calls for a strategy specific to their unique history and lifestyle.
Upcoming topics will include nutrition in allergic conditions and gut healing.
*Dr. Appelhans is now accepting new patients. To learn more about Dr. Appelhans go to the website at www.privatehealthcarenow.com or call 310-281-6926 to make your appointment today*
