Does your child have a food allergy? Here's how to protect him!

Does your child have a rash when he drinks milk? Or does he have difficulty breathing after eating something like cashews or peanuts? These could be signs of a food allergy. When the doctor tells you that your child has one, it's normal for you, as a mother or father, to feel a lot of fear and anxiety. "Will my child not be able to eat what he likes now?", "How can I take care of him?" Many questions may come to mind. But don't worry. If we are aware of this, we can manage this situation very well and protect our child. Let's talk about it today.

What should we take care of at home?

Having a child with a food allergy means that the whole family has to make some changes to their eating habits. Finding foods that are safe for your child and that they enjoy can sometimes be a challenge.

The first and most important thing is to get into the habit of reading the label on every food package you buy from the store. According to Sri Lankan law, the eight major allergens, namely milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish, must be listed on the label.

But sometimes, there are things in food that we don't even think about as 'hidden ingredients '. For example, some sauces may have peanut powder added to them. So, if you have the slightest doubt about a food, never hesitate to call the manufacturer and ask before giving it to your child.

Therefore, it is best and safest to prepare food at home with fresh ingredients whenever possible. Then you can have 100% control over what goes into your child's food. You can find many allergy-friendly recipes online and in books that are specifically designed for children with allergies.

Another thing to be careful about at home is cross-contamination . Simply put, imagine that your child is allergic to eggs. If you don't wash the pan you fried an egg in properly and then make an omelet for your child in the same pan, you could develop an allergy . Also, avoid cutting the food you are allergic to and the food you are not allergic to on the same cutting board and with the same knife.

What do you do when you leave the house, especially when you eat at a store?

Eating out, especially at a restaurant, can be a bit challenging with a child with allergies, but it's not a problem if you manage it properly.

1. Be informed in advance: As soon as you go to a restaurant, tell the server that your child has a food allergy. Don't just ask, "Does this dish have cashews?" If possible, talk to the manager or chef who is preparing the food. That way, you can know exactly what's in the dish and how it's prepared.

2. Ask about cross-contamination: "My child is allergic to milk. When making his hamburger, can you please use clean equipment instead of the same grill that made a cheeseburger?"

3. Choose restaurants wisely: Suppose your child is allergic to seafood like shrimp and crab. In that case, it would be wise to avoid going to a restaurant that is known for seafood. There is a high chance of cross-contamination.

4. Birthday Parties and Events: If you are sending your child to a birthday party, be sure to clearly explain your child's allergies to the family. Also, be sure to lovingly explain to your child what foods they should not eat. If in doubt, it is best to send your child some safe food that is prepared at home.

How do we prepare for an emergency?

This is the most important part. No matter how careful we are, an emergency can arise at any time. We must always be prepared for it.

Always carry emergency medications prescribed by your doctor with you wherever you go. Symptoms of an allergy usually begin within a few minutes to two hours after eating the food you are allergic to.

Let's see what are the common symptoms.

Anaphylaxis - Life-threatening!

In some of the most severe cases, a food allergy can lead to a life-threatening medical emergency called anaphylaxis , in which symptoms from several of the systems mentioned above can occur simultaneously.

If you think your child is having anaphylaxis , do these things without panicking immediately:

1. Act immediately: If your doctor has given you an epinephrine auto-injector , a device like an EpiPen, make sure you know how to use it. Don't wait around thinking, "I'm not sure if this is an allergy." Give your child the injection right away. It won't hurt your child, but it could save their life.

2. Take the child to the hospital: Even after the injection, it is essential to take the child to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU). Get help from a service like the 1990 Ambulance Service. At the hospital, the doctors will further monitor the child and provide the necessary treatment.

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