More and more children have life-threatening food allergies.  For these children, smelling, eating or touching an allergy-causing food can trigger a life-threatening allergic reaction (also known as anaphylaxis). Peanuts, nuts, shellfish, fish, and eggs are the most common foods causing reactions. The reaction may begin with itching, hives, swelling of the mouth, throat, or tongue, and difficulty in breathing. In severe cases the anaphylactic reaction is followed by anaphylactic shock. If not treated, it could lead to collapse and death.  Some anaphylactic reactions can occur within seconds or minutes of contact with the allergy-causing food. Other reactions may take an hour or longer to appear. The only way to prevent this type of reaction is to avoid contact with allergy-causing foods. Children with known food allergies are at increased risk for a severe reaction. While children can outgrow some allergies, an allergy to peanuts or tree nuts is often lifelong. Children may also have other life-threatening allergies such as to insect bites and to latex rubber.  These allergic reactions are all considered Medical Alert conditions that may require emergency care.

 

POSSIBLE SIGNS OF A LIFE-THREATENING ALLERGIC REACTION ANY ONE OF THESE SYMPTOMS COULD ALERT YOU TO A PROBLEM

Is the child having the reaction in a B.I.N.D.?

B = breathing is difficult, throat or chest is tight.

I = itchy lips, hives, swelling.

N = nausea, vomiting.

D = dizzy, unsteady, confused.

 

If you suspect your child has a severe reaction to food, it is best to avoid that food. Parents who think a child might have a life-threatening food allergy need to talk with their doctor, who may refer them to a pediatric allergist. A pediatric allergist will conduct an in-depth evaluation to confirm or rule out a food allergy, and determine if asthma is present.  The opinion of a pediatric allergist should be sought if a chronic rash or eczema is present. A sound diagnosis is a very important step to reduce harm. Family doctors and allergy specialists should be involved in the identification of food allergies and the development and review of management plans. Care providers need to know how to prevent, recognize and respond to life-threatening reactions.

 

Excerpt from: Li f e - Threatening Food Allergies in School and Child Care Settings