Tips for Peanut Allergies

A little overview of peanut allergy, it is one of the leading causes of food-related death due to complicated anaphylactic shock or hypersensitivity allergic reaction. It is important to do as soon as your child can understand the concept of allergies and not eating certain foods. As early as 6 months parents should introduce food one at a time to determine which of it is the infant's allergy. Bear in mind that there should be a 4-day trial period for the newly introduced food. According to experts, he best time to reinforce the teaching occurs at the preschool level. You may need to talk to your child more than once, but it is important to let them know what could happen if they carelessly share food with friends or classmates. Teen should be taught how to check the food labels.

Inform

Inform everyone around the child about the allergy like their teachers in school, seatmates, friends and friends' parents. You may be surprised to know that many food allergies, happen when parents are not around. That is why it is extremely important that all adults know about your child’s allergic reactions to peanuts. When your child leaves your home to visit friends or family, pack safe snacks for them to eat.

Ask Questions

If you and your child are known for eating out, it is important that you ask as many questions as possible. You should do so at all eating establishments, but it is particularly important to do at a bakery. Are all baked goods made in the same spot, like on the same table? Even if not, are gloves changed? What are the chances that a peanut or peanut butter can make its ways into other foods? You should know before feeding your child anything that you did not prepare yourself.

Read the Labels

Speaking of the foods that you do prepare yourself, be sure to read all food labels. When doing so, you may be surprised just how many products have warnings that claim that peanuts may be present. Even if they only “may,” be, you are still advised to proceed with caution and skip. Also, make sure that you always read labels, as food manufacturers are known for updating or changing their ingredients.

Be Alert

It is also important to know how to handle a reaction. There is a good chance that your child’s doctor will teach you the proper steps that you should take, which will likely include administering medicine to help your child breathe. It is also important to educate those around you too. Make sure that all relatives, parents of friends, and school teachers know what to do in the event of an allergic reaction to peanuts. If medication is provided by your doctor, which it should be, make sure the school has some and always carry the medication with you, like in your car or in your purse.

Assess For Allergic Reaction

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Urticaria (hives)
• Angioedema (swelling of the lips, face, throat and skin)
• Acute abdominal pain
• Exacerbation of atopic eczema
• Asthma
• Anaphylactic shock