Managing food allergies for children involves understanding common allergens, recognizing allergic reactions, and implementing safety measures both at home and school.
Common Food Allergens: Include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, wheat, and soy.
Recognizing Allergic Reactions:
- Mild reactions: hives, itchy skin, mild swelling. Treat with antihistamines like Benadryl if necessary.
- Severe reactions (anaphylaxis): difficulty breathing, throat/tongue swelling, rapid pulse, dizziness. Administer epinephrine (found in EpiPens prescribed by doctors) and call emergency services immediately.
Reading Labels for Allergens:
- Always check for allergen statements and cross-contamination warnings on packaging.
- Familiarize yourself with alternate names for allergens, for example, “casein” is often listed in ingredients and is a milk product.
Preventing Cross-Contamination:
- When preparing multiple products, use separate utensils and cutting boards to avoid mixing allergens.
- Clean all surfaces thoroughly after use.
- Store foods separately to prevent accidental exposure.
Safety Tips for Home and School:
- Develop an Allergy Action Plan.
- Educate caregivers and teachers about your child’s allergies.
- Pack safe meals and snacks for your child.
- Ensure your child wears medical identification to alert others in case of an emergency.
Emergency Steps:
- Administer epinephrine immediately if prescribed.
- Call 911 without delay.
- Stay calm and keep your child comfortable while help arrives.
Conclusion: Staying informed and proactive in managing food allergies is crucial for your child’s safety and well-being.
