Peanut allergies are on the rise,
especially in children. They can result in difficulty breathing, loss of
consciousness, or fatal reactions. Peanut butter and peanut oil aren’t the only
foods to avoid. Many ethnic foods, such as Chinese, Mexican, Thai, and Vietnamese
contain traces of peanuts. Candy, especially chocolate, some cereals, granola,
some veggie burgers, and many health food bars also contain peanuts. Caregivers
and parents should be cautious since there is no proven way to prevent the
allergy, just blood and skin tests to detect it.
Peanut allergies are typically diagnosed
within the first two years, though they can develop at any age. The symptoms
may include, but are not limited to, tingling of the mouth, hives, swelling of
the tongue or throat, abdominal cramps, or vomiting and diarrhea. Anaphylaxis
is the most serious. When this occurs, blood pressure drops quickly and the
individual loses consciousness.
To help avoid allergic reactions,
caregivers and parents should monitor children’s food closely. Be sure to
carefully read food labels and teach children not to eat other’s cooking if the
ingredients are unknown. Packing snacks and lunches for school may also help
reduce the chances of children coming in contact with peanut stricken foods. In
severe allergic cases, parents, caregiver, and teachers should be fully
educated on how to administer an EpiPen. An EpiPen is a shot of epinephrine
which reverses anaphylactic shock and helps control serious reactions.
Parents and caregivers should develop,
and keep, a written plan with recommendations from their child’s health care provider
that helps others recognize the symptoms of an allergic reaction, how to
administer treatment, and who to contact in case of emergency. All allergies,
including peanut, can be 100 percent controlled with monitored observation and
attention.
Idea from: March of Dimes- Peanut Allergies
No comments:
Post a Comment