Back-to-school reminder: What parents need to know about food allergies
SHREVEPORT, La. -- As children head back to the classroom, families managing food allergies may want to take another look at their child’s emergency plan.
SHREVEPORT, La. -- As children head back to the classroom, families managing food allergies may want to take another look at their child’s emergency plan.
Dr. Gonzalo Alvarez Del Real, a board-certified allergist and immunologist with Highland Clinic, says a food allergy is different from a food intolerance because an allergy involves the immune system and can become life-threatening.
Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction can include swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing.
The nine major food allergens are milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts and sesame.
For families managing food allergies, avoiding exposure is key. That includes checking food labels and being aware of possible cross-contact when preparing or sharing food.
Schools can also be a source of accidental exposure through shared food, utensils and surfaces. Parents should make sure teachers, school staff and other caregivers know about their child's allergy and understand the child's emergency action plan.
Alvarez Del Real says people with food allergies should carry at least two epinephrine auto-injectors.
“Always carry two epinephrine self-injectable epinephrine doses with you at the least,” Alvarez Del Real said.
Antihistamines may help with some allergy symptoms, but they are not a substitute for epinephrine during anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.
Alvarez Del Real says when epinephrine is needed, the risk of delaying treatment is greater than the risk associated with administering the medication.
After giving epinephrine for a suspected life-threatening allergic reaction, call 911 and seek emergency medical care.