If your child is allergic to peanuts or nuts, strict precautions can help prevent a life-threatening reaction.
The Nemours Foundation offers these suggestions:
- Ban nuts from your home, or take precautions to avoid cross-contamination of foods.
- Avoid serving your child meals that you didn't make, or meals for which you haven't seen a complete ingredient list.
- Talk to all food service people in a restaurant about the nut allergy. Before you eat, make sure they're confident they can avoid cross-contamination.
- Prepare your child's snacks and meals for school, and for outings with friends.
- Have the child or caregiver carry an epinephrine pen. Prepare an action plan, in the event of anaphylaxis, for your child's teachers, principal or day-care workers.
Health Tip: Know the Warning Signs of Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a very serious allergic reaction to a food, medication, material (such as latex) or insect sting. It could be life-threatening, and requires immediate medical attention.
The American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology says common warning signs of anaphylaxis include:
- A red rash that's usually itchy and has welts.
- Swelling of the throat or other parts of the body.
- Wheezing and difficulty breathing.
- Tightness in the chest.
- A hoarse voice.
- Losing consciousness.
- Difficulty swallowing.
- Diarrhea, stomach cramps or vomiting.
- Red or pale skin color.
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