Avoiding An Allergy Attack
Children who face food allergies struggle with a variety of fears and worries. For some, going to a sleepover at a friend’s house can be a concern, as they don’t know what food will be prepared. School lunches can be a struggle, as many cafeterias don’t serve allergy-free food. If a child suffers from a severe food allergy, any exposure to that food can make him or her extremely sick. For parents, this concept is can be even more terrifying. The good news is, it doesn’t have to be. Parents can develop methods to keep their kids safe no matter where they go! Here are a few strategies:
Do your homework. Learn about which allergies are prevalent in the areas you’re traveling, even non-food allergies! It might be helpful to have a conversation with your doctor to see if there are additional medications you can bring with you that would help in preventing a reaction. Also, investing in a medical alert bracelet is always a wise choice. Medical alert bracelets alert medical caregivers of allergies in times of emergency, when your child may not be able to communicate effectively. The sooner the medics can detect the problem, the quicker they can administer the proper medications. If you don’t have an allergy doctor, talk to Dr. Raschal!
Make an emergency travel kit. Include all of your child’s medications in this kit, as well as some hand sanitizing wipes, children’s Benadryl, and an epinephrine shot, if your child has been issued one. Also include your child’s inhaler, as this needs to be handy at all times. Even when you aren’t with your children when they are traveling, explaining to them what to do in an emergency and giving them the emergency kit could potentially save their lives.
Call ahead. Whether your child is going to a friend’s house to eat, or just going to a restaurant with the family – it’s okay to call ahead and forewarn the cook that your child has a deadly food allergy. Ask for food that has been prepared in a different area than your child’s allergy, and notify your child’s friends’ parents. It’s okay to be overly cautious in situations that could put your child at risk.
Inform your child of the symptoms. If your child is aware of an allergic reaction occurring, they will be more likely to find help sooner and apply the necessary medical precautions. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include: stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, cough, wheezing, a hoarse throat, difficulty breathing, and tightness in the throat. By warning your child that these symptoms are bad, they can help alert others around them, too.
At Covenant Allergy and Asthma, we want you and your family to be safe from potential allergy attacks! We care about you and your safety. If you have any questions about food allergies or how to protect your family, schedule an appointment with Dr. Raschal. Have a wonderful and safe week!