How dangerous is a child peanut allergy?
Peanut allergies in children have been increasing in school, medical, and national news. Incidences of child peanut allergy have been increasing in the past decade and continue to climb, which is raising an alarm about this potentially dangerous child food allergy experienced by approximately three million Americans.
The Reasons Why A Child Peanut Allergy Is A Concern
Peanut allergies in infants are of particular concern for four main reasons:
1.Peanut allergies in children cause life-threatening reactions in many cases
2.Children with peanut allergies may be extremely sensitive to peanuts and peanut products—A few children cannot even be near peanuts or products of
3.Peanuts, peanut oils, and peanut products are found in many foods, and cross-contamination increases the possibility of peanut-causing allergens in others
4.Peanut allergies in children are not usually outgrown
Anaphylaxis is an uncommon allergy symptom for almost all food allergies, but it is much more common in the case of a child peanut allergy, thus accounting for 80% of anaphylactic reactions.
Signs And Symptoms Of A Child Peanut Allergy
The signs and symptoms of an infant peanut allergy can come on very suddenly and severely, without warning. It is not unusual that the first taste of peanut of a child to cause their first known reaction from a child peanut allergy.
Early signs that a child might be experiencing as a result of a child peanut allergy include:
1. Hives or Skin rash
2. Tingling of the tongue
3. Runny nose
4. Itchy throat or mouth
The above symptoms can very easily progress into much more dangerous peanut allergy symptoms and anaphylactic shock. Any time any of the following symptoms are observed, it is very important that the child seeks medical emergency help immediately. Dangerous symptoms of a child peanut allergy may be:
1. Difficulty in breathing
2. Difficulty in swallowing
3. Swelling of the lips,mouth, or throat
4. Body swelling
5. Low blood pressure
6. Dizziness
7. Loss of consciousness
8. Confusion
Still other child peanut allergy symptoms include:
1. Hoarse/raspy voice
2. Stomach upset or nausea
3. Vomiting
4. Abdominal cramps or pain
5. Diarrhea
6. Feeling of being light-headed
Tips For Parents Of Children With Child Peanut Allergies
Whenever a child peanut allergy is suspected, it should be discussed with the child's pediatrician or family doctor immediately for treatment . A diagnosis can be confirmed and a plan of action, comprising of a strict avoidance of peanuts and peanut products, will be devised. Armed with this plan, and the following tips for managing life with a child peanut butter allergy, caregivers and parents can give the child the best chance at avoiding potentially dangerous reactions.
1. Learn how to read food labels and look for possible cross-contamination.
2. Carefully read every food label
3. Keep injectable epinephrine at all times with your child everywhere they go—including at school, sports, and activities, at home, and in the car
4. Always carry antihistamine with the child
5. Avoid fried foods in restaurants, as there is a possibility they are often cooked in peanut oils
6. Do not allow your child to eat anything with unknown ingredients
7. Be vocal about your child's peanut allergy and make sure all family members, teachers,friends, and family know not only how the child should eat, but also What you must do in case of an accidental ingestion or reaction
8. Develop an emergency plan in case of reaction and help your child memorize it
9. Teach your child that it is not very safe for them to accept food from others unless you give the okay
10. Pack food for your child to eat at birthday parties and friends' houses
11. Frequent hand-washing should be encouraged
12. Pack a list of especially dangerous foods for your child to keep with him/he
13. Help your child learn how to recognize the signs of a reaction and get help as needed
14. Do not ,at any moment,allow yourself or your child to become relaxed about his or her child peanut allergy
Life with a child peanut allergy can ,indeed,be a scary thing; but when proper care is taken to properly manage the diet of a peanut-allergic child, and when a clear plan is laid out for emergency procedures in the event of an accidental peanut ingestion, life with a child peanut allergy is much less threatening.
|
