A 6-Month-Old Boy Is Brought to the Clinic for a Routine

A 6-month-old boy is brought to the clinic for a routine well-child check.  The patient was exclusively breastfed for the first 4 months of life.  Over the past 2 months, his family has gradually introduced complementary foods, including cereals and several infant fruit and vegetable products, into his diet.  The family is concerned about introducing highly allergenic foods such as peanuts, shellfish, and eggs because the patient's cousin was hospitalized after developing a severe allergic reaction to eggs.  The patient is developing normally and growing at the 50th percentile for weight.  His medications include a vitamin D supplement and petroleum jelly for dry skin.  Heart, lung, and abdominal examinations are normal.  There are small, dry, scaly patches of skin over the extensor surfaces of the extremities.  Which of the following is the best approach to the introduction of highly allergenic foods in this patient?

A) Begin small amounts of highly allergenic foods at home
B) Delay introduction of eggs and other high-risk foods until 2 years of age
C) Perform a trial of egg and/or peanut in the office
D) Recommend avoiding eggs, peanuts, and other highly allergenic foods
E) Resume exclusive breastfeeding until 1 year of age

Correct Answer:

Verified

Unlock this answer now
Get Access to more Verified Answers free of charge

Access For Free