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Understanding Nut Allergies
Information for Grandparents By Sue Marquette Poremba
In Case of EmergencyEven the most vigilant grandparentscan accidentally serve a child nuts or peanuts, so they should be familiar with the type of reaction their grandchild might have. Dr. Seth Toback, the medical director for MedExpress Urgent Care in Washington, Pa., and the father of a daughter with multiple nut allergies, says most people look for hives, and if they don't see them, think there is no reaction. Hives are a common form of reaction, but they aren't the only one.
Other common allergic reactions include these:
- Coughing, like a tickle in the throat
- Trouble breathing
- Swelling on the face or the place on the body that came in contact with the allergen
- Stomach pains and possibly vomiting
- Fainting
- Flushing over the skin like a sunburn
If the child shows any sign of a possible allergic reaction, Dr. Toback says grandparents should take the following action immediately:
- Administer the EpiPen (an auto-injector that administers epinephrine, a treatment for severe allergic reactions). The child should carry one at all times, but Dr. Toback recommends grandparents keep one in their home, too. They expire, so keep track of the expiration dates and get a new one when necessary.
- Call 9-1-1. "Don't drive the child to the hospital yourself," Dr. Toback says. The child might seem fine at first, but he could have a second reaction. Ambulances and emergency medical technicians have the proper equipment to handle allergic reactions.
Allergies can be managed and children can live healthy lives as long as everyone involved remains vigilant about the foods the child is exposed to. For more information about food allergies, visit the The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network.