When it’s apparent that a child is allergic to a certain food, the family needs assistance from an allergist who can determine the severity of the problem and provide treatment options. Some food allergies in Evansville IN are usually outgrown at an early age and do not cause severe symptoms. Others may cause life-threatening symptoms that must be treated immediately. These children must have injectable epinephrine available at all times.
Peanut Allergy
Some food allergies are becoming more common. Peanut allergy is a primary example. The prevalence of this particular allergy has tripled since the late 1990s, and researchers don’t know why. This is one of the most serious food allergies in Evansville IN. Children and adults may be so sensitive to peanuts that the slightest contact can send their bodies into a shock reaction.
Preventive Behavior
When a child is diagnosed with an allergy to peanuts, the family is likely to feel overwhelmed by the number of changes they will need to make and the level of preventive behavior necessary to prevent contact with this food. Peanuts and peanut butter are included in many types of food, and children may unknowingly consume these foods when away from home.
Cross-Contamination in Food
Cross-contamination is possible in restaurants and in food products manufactured in buildings where peanuts are used for other products. Even foods that seem natural enough can be contaminated this way. For instance, sunflower seeds may be packaged on machinery that is also used for packaging peanuts.
Dog and Bird Food
Other products can be problematic, too. Dog food and treats may contain peanut butter. Mixed bird food may contain peanuts. If not, it may be produced on equipment that has been contaminated with peanuts. Fortunately, even children who are very sensitive to the substance usually are not affected by touching peanuts or peanut butter or breathing in the aroma. They must never consume even a trace amount, however.
About 20 percent of children outgrow the peanut allergy. The others must be careful throughout their entire lives. Parents and other family members can begin dealing with the situation with help from Accredited Asthma, Allergy & Food Intolerance Center. Browse our website to get started.
