About 4% of children are affected by food allergies, with common triggers being eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, cow’s milk, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish.
Fortunately, many children will outgrow their allergies by the time they reach adulthood.
Even so, this condition should not be ignored in their childhood, as allergic reactions can be life-threatening, and avoiding certain food groups altogether can prevent your child from getting proper nutrition.
The exact reason as to why some children develop allergies to certain foods is not fully understood.
However, factors like family history, genetics and the timing of food introduction are shown to influence the risk.
Normally, foods are not perceived as invaders by the immune system.
However, when a child with food allergies ingests certain foods, their immune system overreacts and triggers a series of responses that lead to allergic symptoms in the respiratory system, skin and digestive system.
It starts with the immune system identifying the food as harmful and producing immunoglobulin E (IgE), which attaches to the “allergens”, i.e. the food.
The immune cells then release histamine and other chemicals that cause inflammation, thus resulting in allergic symptoms.
Precautions for parents
Food allergies should not hinder your child from getting the proper nutrition required for healthy growth and development.
With careful planning and food preparation strategies, you can ensure that their meals are safe and nourishing.
Even so, parents should note that accidental ingestion can still happen, especially when your child is not under constant supervision.
Being prepared for such possibilities by implementing several safety measures is important in protecting your child from life-threatening reactions.
When it comes to food preparation:
Always keep allergy-free ingredients in stock at home to avoid running out of safe food options.
Include suitable substitutes to meet your child’s nutritional needs, e.g. a fortified soy beverage instead of milk, and brown rice instead of wheat.
Store allergy-free foods separately from the ones with allergens in your cupboards and refrigerator to avoid cross-contamination.
Keep them covered or in sealed containers to minimise the exposure to airborne allergens.
Allergens in trace amounts can still trigger a reaction.
Make it a habit to carefully check food labels for any allergens when buying groceries, as well as each time before your child consumes the food.
Never use the same kitchen utensils for both allergy-free foods and those containing allergens.
Always wash your hands, utensils and cooking surfaces thoroughly with soap and water.
It is good practice to prepare allergy-free meals first to reduce the risk of cross-contact.
And here are some additional safety measures you can take:
Make sure your child wears a medical alert bracelet with the information of their food allergies when they are away from home.
This is to let other caretakers or medical personnel recognise their condition and respond immediately in the event of a medical emergency.
Your child’s physician may prescribe medications like antihistamines and adrenaline for mild to severe allergic reactions.
Store them in easily accessible places at home, school and other locations that your child regularly visits.
This pen-like device is an auto-injector containing adrenaline for the treatment of severe allergic reactions.
Your child should carry two of this device with them at all times, with the dose adjusted according to their body weight.
Inform your child’s teachers and other caretakers of the above precautions.
Provide brief and specific instructions on the foods to avoid and guide them on the proper way of using the adrenaline auto-injector.
Watch out for these
A severe allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis, is a life-threatening condition that requires urgent medical attention.
The symptoms to look for include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing or persistent cough
- Swelling of the tongue and throat
- Hoarse voice or difficulty talking
- Persistent dizziness and fainting.
If any one of these symptoms is noticed minutes or hours after your child eats, administer adrenaline immediately and call for an ambulance.
Anaphylaxis can occur more than one time; therefore, it is important that your child is under close monitoring by healthcare practitioners until their condition improves.
Preparing food for children with allergies can be tricky, but there are hassle-free ways to make their meals allergen-free without neglecting their nutritional requirements.
By also prioritising other safety measures, parents can effectively manage food allergies and safeguard their child’s well-being both at home and when their child is away.
Dr Amir Hamzah Abdul Latiff is a consultant paediatrician and consultant clinical immunologist/allergist. This article is courtesy of the Malaysian Paediatric Association’s Positive Parenting programme in collaboration with expert partners. For further information, please email starhealth@thestar.com.my. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.
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