What To Do If Your Child Has A Food Allergy
Allergies can be quite bothersome. They acquire an entirely new level of irritation when they involve food and food by-products. Many times, parents do not know what foods their kids have developed allergies to until they have been exposed to those foods. Unfortunately, by the time they find out, their son or daughter has already suffered a troubling reaction
Food allergies, as opposed to food sensitivities, occur in the immune system. A true allergy to a food usually results in a violent bodily reaction caused by the immune system attacking the offending protein as it gets into the body and the bloodstream. This reaction can at times lead even to the death of the person afflicted with this condition.
The immune system makes an antibody called IgE, which seeks out and bonds with the protein of the food that a person is allergic to. The build up of IgE proteins in the blood stream releases a stream of chemicals that can cause itching, swelling, vomiting, fever, difficulty breathing, and many other symptoms, and can eventually lead to the entire body shutting down.
Food allergies are usually detected before a child reaches three years old. While this is normally the case, many children develop allergies to food later when they are exposed to a wider variety of foods.
The most commonly encountered food allergens include wheat, milk, nuts, soy, and eggs. In fact, these foods constitute over ninety percent of the allergies that children react to.
There is a considerable difference between having sensitivities to certain foods and being allergic to certain foods. Those who merely have sensitivities to certain foods will experience allergy-like reactions long after eating the food in question. Many times, there is a lapse of at least two hours before the reaction occurs.
Those suffering from a true food allergy experience the effects immediately. These troublesome reactions occur each and every time the food is consumed. There is a chance that some allergies will be outgrown if they are avoided early in life, but many children will remain allergic to the food in question for the rest of their lives.
If you are wondering whether your child has an allergy to food it is important to have an allergy skin test performed. The results will indicate all potential allergens and put to rest any doubts you may have had. Once your child is diagnosed, you must be sure to let all caretakers, friends and family members know. It is also crucial to teach your child to always ask and find out what is in their food. The simplest way to conquer food allergies is by avoiding the foods altogether.
It is nearly impossible to protect your child from allergens every moment of every day. Most food labels on packaged food contains warnings of potential food allergens. Many children do not know how to real labels properly though, so there is always a chance that a child will eat something containing traces of allergens such as snacks with peanuts in them.
Since food allergy reactions can become life-threatening, make sure to always have an Epi-pen around. An Epi-pen can stave off dangerous reactions until professional help arrives. Once the Epi-pen is administered, call 911 to get your child proper medical attention.
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