It is possible that children with food allergies will outgrow their allergies or become less sensitive over time. While it is estimated that 8% of children inthe U.S. have at least one food allergy, only about 3% of adults do. These numbers may offer a little bit of hope:
- Milk : 80% of children outgrow the allergy by age 16.
- Egg: 68% of children outgrow it by age 16.
- Peanut: 20% outgrow it by the age of 6.
- Tree Nut: 9% who outgrow it by age 6.
While it is encouraging to know that many children will outgrow their allergies over time, it is important to be prepared mentally and emotionally for the chance that this might not be the case for your own child. This is especially true if your child has a nut allergy, which is far less likely to be outgrown.
In our case, I was certain we wouldn’t have to worry about our son being in anyone else’s care since I was confident he would have outgrown his allergies before we sent him to school. It’s been hard to make that mental and emotional leap to thinking this might be a permanent challenge rather than a temporary one. Maybe it’s better not to know the numbers so it is a pleasant surprise when your child outgrows an allergy, rather than a sore disappointment when they don’t. Perhaps it’s a little foolish but I like to hold onto the hope I see in those numbers. :)
The bottom line is whether or not your child outgrows the allergy, prepare and educate yourself and those around you, especially anyone who will be in the care of your child. Your confidence in managing the allergy will benefit you and your family for the duration of the challenge, whether short or long.
Helpful Resources: Allergy Stats
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