Tips For Diagnosing And Caring For A Child With A Peanut Allergy
Posted on: 11 February 2015
If you suspect that your child has a peanut allergy, or if you simply want to get them tested to make sure that they don't have a peanut allergy, you need to have them tested. If they do in fact have a peanut allergy, then you will need to make sure that you are giving them the proper care that they need to live as safely as possible with this allergy. This article will discuss 3 tips for diagnosing and caring for a child with a peanut allergy.
Take Them To An Allergist For Diagnosis
If you fear that your child has a peanut allergy, the first step is going to be to take them into an allergist to be diagnosed. The allergist will ask you about your child's symptoms to see if they are having an anaphylaxis allergic reaction. This reaction includes: a drop in their blood pressure, vomiting, swelling which causes difficulty breathing, diarrhea, redness, and even unconsciousness. If your child does happen to be diagnosed with a peanut allergy, then the next step is going to be to prepare both you and your child for living with this allergy.
Have An EpiPen On Them At All Times
The allergist will give your child an epinephrine autoinjector, AKA an epipen. This pen contains adrenaline, and will spread this via the blood stream once the pen is injected into your child. This adrenaline will override the body's reaction to the peanuts within a short period of time, and can save your child's life. For this reason, it is crucial that your child has this pen located on them at all times. Also, advise your child's teacher, friends, and whoever else they encounter on a regular basis about their peanut allergy and their epipen. You should also carry an extra pen around with you, and have them located in safe locations in your home.
Modify All The Foods In Your Home
Modifying the foods in your home is also of high importance, after your child has been diagnosed with a peanut allergy. Many foods state that they "may contain nuts," and all of these foods need to be removed from your home. You do not want to risk the peanut dust even getting into the air of your home, so removing these foods is the best way to keep your child safe. Also be sure that your other children are told not to bring foods with peanuts in them into your home. Talk to experts like Mark Montgomery MD FACS for more information.
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