does Zyrtec mask food allergy symptoms?

Usually the doctors will have you stop all antihistamines so they can get a more accurate reading with the allergy tests. I'm not sure how long you should stop before the testing though so it's wise to call the docs and ask.

Yes, it's a good idea to call the doc. I would think that if an allergy is severe enough that they might not want him to stop the antihistamine but normally they do say to stop antihistamines if the allergies are mild enough. Definately don't want to be swelling and miserable thats for sure! Let us know how his allergy tests come out ok?

I'm not sure on how bad his allergic reactions to peanuts or any food is. If it's mild to moderate, Benedryl might work but if he reacts severly such as swelling of the body/throat/tongue then I don't think it will do the trick. Definately avoid giving him any foods that you think might trigger a reaction until you get the allergy testing. You might want to find out if Benedryl and Zyrtec can be taken together since they're both an antihistamine by asking the pharmacist or doctor. The son your talking about, is it Carter or Scott?

I can sympathize with the frustration you're feeling. Been there and done that myself lots of times! I guess the best we can do is plug along the best we can. If you don't like a doctor then by all means change. There are good docs and then there's bad doctors........the challenge is trying to find the right one for you.

Do the teachers know that he may have a possible peanut allergy? If so, then most schools are pretty good about that. I know in my daughters school if a kid has a peanut allergy, they send several notes to the parents. Yes, I've heard that reactions can get worse over time too and you're doing a great job in keeping him away from possible allergens.

Lately, I've found that I am allergic to peanuts. I just want to share these.
Peanuts aren't actually a true nut; they're a legume (in the same family as peas and lentils). But the proteins in peanuts are similar in structure to those in tree nuts.
For this reason, people who are allergic to peanuts can also be allergic to tree nuts, such as almonds, Brazil nuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, macadamias, pistachios, pecans, and cashews. Peanut allergy is common, especially in children.
Peanut allergy symptoms can range from a minor irritation to a life-threatening reaction (anaphylaxis). For some people with peanut allergy, even tiny amounts of peanuts can cause a serious reaction. An allergic response to peanuts usually occurs within minutes after exposure, and symptoms range from mild to severe.
Peanut allergy symptoms can include:
-skin reactions such as hives, redness or swelling
–itching or tingling in or around the mouth and throat
–digestive problems such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting
–tightening of the chest
–shortness of breath or wheezing
–runny or stuffy nose.
The only way to prevent a reaction is to avoid peanuts and peanut products altogether. For a minor allergic reaction, over-the-counter or prescribed antihistamine may help reduce symptoms. For a severe allergic reaction, you may need an emergency injection of epinephrine and a trip to emergency room. You must carry an EpiPen anywhere you go.