$Unique_ID{BRK01548}
$Pretitle{Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue}
$Title{What is an Elimination Diet?}
$Subject{allergy food asthma dermatitis}
$Volume{L-26}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is an Elimination Diet?


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QUESTION:  After trying several treatments to help my 8-year old son's skin
rashes (atopic dermatitis) and asthma, the doctor now says certain foods may
be contributing to his problems--that he may have a food allergy.  The doctor
wants to put him on an elimination diet to try an discover just what foods may
be the cause of the problem.  Could you please tell me about this type of diet
and how it works?

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ANSWER:  Food allergies are common in young children.  These allergies can
manifest themselves by causing vomiting, diarrhea, colic, gastrointestinal
bleeding, skin rashes, rhinitis and asthma.  Dietary elimination is considered
a most effective way to treat a food allergy.  But it may not be all that
simple.  First, you have to identify the offending foods, and that is often
difficult.  The elimination diet begins with excluding suspected offending
foods from the diet.  If the symptoms improve or disappear, the next phase of
the diet begins.
     The eliminated foods are now reintroduced, one at a time.  With each
food, the child is closely watched to see if the original symptoms return.  If
they do, the latest food to be reintroduced to the diet is considered the
culprit.  Hopefully, the offending foods can be quickly identified, and can be
eliminated for good from the patient's diet.  However it is important to
remember that children often outgrow their food allergies.
     It is very important to make sure nutrition doesn't suffer because of the
diet.  If your son's special diet removes important nutrients, your doctor
should recommend supplements to replace them.  It is highly advisable that all
patients on elimination diets be monitored closely to prevent any problems
that this form of therapy could provoke.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
