Food Allergies: Paxton’s Story
Photo provided by Paxton’s family
Location: Iowa
Age: 2.5 years
Confirmed food allergies: dairy, eggs, all nuts, coconut, chicken, garlic
Outgrown food allergies: soy
First allergic reaction: 5 months
When Paxton was five months old, he began to develop eczema. It started on his face and within a week had spread to the rest of his body.
“He was becoming fussier at all times and spitting up more. His diapers were terrible and he had a constant diaper rash,” explained his mom.
Photo provided by Paxton’s family.
Paxton’s mom did some research on her own and then asked his pediatrician about the possibility of food allergies.
According to Food Allergy Research and Education, about 2.5% of kids under three in the United States have an allergy to cow’s milk protein. Infants that are breastfeeding, like Paxton, encounter this allergen through breast milk if their mother is consuming milk or milk products.
The first step that Paxton’s mom took was to eliminate dairy products. After a two week trial, Paxton’s symptoms were “mildly better, but not completely resolved by any means. His pediatrician felt that this meant a dairy allergy wasn’t the culprit,” his mom shared.
“At one point, the pediatrician told me I was seeing hives that weren’t there.”
Paxton’s pediatrician referred him to a dermatologist next, as he believed Paxton had a skin-based condition instead. “At one point, the pediatrician told me I was seeing hives that weren’t there,” said Paxton’s mom.
The dermatologist was able to help manage Paxton’s eczema, including the itchiness and dry skin. At the same time, Paxton’s mom had a gut feeling that he had food allergies. She continued to eliminate common food allergens from her diet, including dairy, eggs, and nuts. Finally, Paxton’s skin and stomach issues started to improve.
“What I found though, was that I wasn’t able to eat enough within the restrictions to keep my supply up for breastfeeding,” his mom shared. Paxton had to switch to formula. Within an hour of trying his first hypoallergenic formula, he was covered in full body hives and had a runny nose.
After the allergic reaction to his formula, Paxton was finally referred to an allergist. “Most allergists won’t see children before the age of one, unless they’ve had an allergic reaction,” explained his mom.
Paxton’s allergist is located two hours away from his home. His mom shares that the care they receive is worth the drive. “Within five minutes of our first visit, I felt like our allergist had known Paxton his entire life. The days of feeling like an over-protective, crazy mom were over and I knew that my constant advocating for my child had been worth it.”
Navigating life with food allergies
Paxton is only 2.5 years, so half of his life has been lived during the pandemic. There haven’t been many big events or opportunities to participate in any “normal” childhood activities. His family is ready with a list of guidelines to help keep Paxton safe during public functions:
Paxton’s EpiPen always goes everywhere with him.
Every person Paxton is around must know about his severe, anaphylactic allergies.
His parents review EpiPen use whenever Paxton is watched by someone other than his parents.
His family brings their own food to every event to avoid risk of cross contamination.
Paxton’s mom tries to bring food that is similar to what is being served at events so Paxton doesn’t feel left out.
This includes bringing Paxton’s own meal along if his family goes out to eat at a restaurant.
When eating with guests, any food must be eaten at the table and all kids must wash hands and mouths before getting up from the table.
When visiting family or friends, his mom does a “quick sweep” of common areas for any food or snacks that Paxton could get into.
Paxton’s family is already teaching him to ask “does this have allergies?” before accepting food from anyone other than his parents.
Advice for new food allergy families
Paxton’s mom shared that being a food allergy family is overwhelming. She encouraged new food allergy parents to take it one step at a time. “Have an emergency plan. Make sure those around your kiddo know the plan, especially when you’re not around. Keep your EpiPen in the same place so you always know where it is.”
How others can support the food allergy community
Paxton and his family simply asked that others be kind to those with food allergies. “No one would ever choose this type of life for themselves or their child. Being a part of the food allergy community is anxiety-ridden and exhausting. At times you feel like there is no safe space for you or your family in this world,” shared his mom.
“If someone with food allergies asks you to wash your hand, or not leave your PB&J sandwich in the middle of a park bench, please just accommodate the request. It could save someone’s life.”
Paxton uses blue cups, plates, and utensils to avoid cross-contamination at home. His younger sister gets a different color.
Photo provided by Paxton’s family.
