Food Allergy Awareness Week is coming to an end and as a food allergy mom myself I thought this would be the perfect way to end the week. Like most moms my story started as innocent as my small child eating a snack. We are nine years into this food allergy life and while we are still learning and figuring things out, we do have a few years under our belt. Below I’ll be sharing 5 things every NEW allergy mom should know.
1. Educate yourself on food allergy symptoms. Not
every reaction is the same. A few symptoms include:
-throat tightness
-belly pain
-vomiting
-diarrhea
-itchy, swollen or watery eyes
-hives
2. Advocate for your child. You are not being high
maintenance. Don’t feel as though you are being an inconvenience by speaking up.
Your child life depends on it. Whether it’s your child’s teacher, a friend
meeting you for a playdate, or family take the time out to explain to them your
child’s allergy and the severity of it.
3. Teach your child how to advocate for
themselves. As your child gets older you find that you can’t always be with them.
While in class or visiting grandmother’s house for the weekend your child should
know how to let people know of their allergies themselves. My daughter started
out by just being vocal whenever it was snack time, or a friend tried to offer
a treat by simply saying I have a nut allergy. Now that she’s a little older
she’s able to read labels herself point out signs in restaurants and is
well aware of her allergies, allergic reactions, and what needs to be done when
or if she is having a reaction.
4. Know that allergic reaction can occur in different
ways. My daughter has a peanut and tree nut allergy. She can be exposed in many
ways:
- Direct contact which can be ingesting an allergen or having skin
touch it
- Cross-contact which can happen when an allergen is indirectly
introduced into a product during process and handling
- Inhalation which happens when dust or aerosols containing allergen
is inhaled
5. Steps you can take to avoid allergic reactions. The
only way to avoid an allergic reaction is to keep your child away from food
they are allergic to. Here are a few ways to help with that:
-
Learn to read labels
-
Ask about ingredients in
foods
-
Wash your hands to help
avoid cross contamination
I am not a doctor. I am just a mom to a child with food allergies. If have any questions or concerns, I suggest reaching out to a professional like your child's pediatrician. This journey can be a scary one. Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek community. You aren't in this alone.
Very good information, even if you are not the mom of a child with allergies. You may one day find this information valuable with a friend, niece/nephew, cousin, etc. Thanks ThatDopeMom...proactive not reactive!
ReplyDeleteYes! Proactive not Reactive πͺπΎππΎ
Deletegreat information especially for some of the grandmothers that gives their grandchildren whatever they ask for we have to be knowledgeable about that allergies.
ReplyDeleteI agree this information works for anyone who needs it
Delete