Guest: David Fleischer, MD
Host: Jennifer Shu, MD, FAAP
Wheat, eggs, milk, peanuts and other nuts, soybeans and seafood: all of these can be an integral part of a balanced, healthy diet for growing children. Instead, many are off-limits for an increasing number of children diagnosed with food allergies. Though the rise in food allergies is certainly worrisome, we're learning that some food allergies may actually be misdiagnosed. Host Dr. Jennifer Shu welcomes Dr. David Fleischer, assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and National Jewish Health in Denver, for a conversation about how we can improve our capacity to accurately assess food allergies, and help many of our young patients tolerate, or even enjoy, a wider range of food. Starting with a clinical history, what kind of workup should be done before patients are referred to an allergist? How should allergen-specific antibody blood tests be incorporated into this process?