childhood allergies

Food For Thought

By Adam Ebreo, DO, Pediatrician, Advocate Medical Group
ood allergies affect about 4 percent of all children. Of the many food allergies out there, the most common ones include that of cows milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, wheat, nuts, fish, and shellfish. When does a child develop food allergies? Many can occur in early infancy as well as early childhood. The first reaction may be mild, but then with subsequent exposure, the offending agent can cause more severe reactions. On the other hand, sometimes the child will initially present with hives, swelling, breathing problems, and unconsciousness! The good thing is that many children outgrow their food allergies. About 80 to 90 percent of egg, wheat, milk, and soy allergies resolve by 5 years of age. There are, however, some that may persist longer such as peanuts, nuts, and seafood. An allergic reaction can be very scary and may be a life or death situation. Once you suspect a food allergy, please have your child medically evaluated. Further testing may be needed by an allergist to confirm the presence of a food allergy. Here are some other tips that may be beneficial: Avoidance, avoidance, avoidance! Read all of the food labels carefully and make sure that the foods are safe for your childs allergy! If you are going out to eat, tell your server that your child has a specific food allergy. Many restaurants are aware of customers with food allergies and are able to modify their menu. Prepare special foods for your child if you are planning to go to a social gathering. Buy a medical wrist bracelet so that people will know what type of food allergies your child has and what medicine your child uses. This is extremely helpful for emergency personnel when assessing your child. Educate your child. Teach your child not to share foods or drinks as well as utensils. As with all children, instruct them to wash their hands before and after meals. Some schools have an allergen free section in their lunchrooms. Meet with the school. Talk with the principal, school nurse, and teachers and have an allergic reaction plan available should problems arise. Your doctor should also be able to help set one up. Make sure that you provide the school with emergency medications such as an epinephrine pen and diphenhydramine, commonly known as Benadryl. An allergic reaction to food can range from mild to severe. Please be vigilant and educate anyone who is taking care of your child. It is better to make sure that the food that your child eats is safe rather than to see a bad allergic reaction unfold before your eyes! For more information on Dr. Ebreo or to make an appointment, please call 1-800-3-ADVOCATE or visit www.amgdoctors.com. Dr. Ebreo is also seeing pediatric patients at the new Advocate BroMenn Outpatient Center, located at 3024 E. Empire Street in Bloomington.

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July 2013 Bloomington Healthy Cells Magazine Page 47