What are Allergies and What are the Common Symptoms?
Allergies occur when a person’s immune system overreacts to an otherwise harmless substance. Usually, allergens come from pollen, food, or insects, but they can also be from pet dander or dust. This overreaction causes the immune system to release histamines, which in turn causes symptoms. These symptoms can be mild or severe, and some people can even die from an allergic reaction. Common symptoms include itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose, coughing, scratchy throat, wheezing, abdominal pain, nausea, and even hives. If a child has a mild allergic reaction, their symptoms may be limited to itching, redness, and swelling. If a child has a severe allergic reaction, they may experience difficulty breathing, dizziness, and even unconsciousness.
How to Identify Potential Allergens
Before you can create an allergy action plan, you need to know what allergens your child is allergic to. You can find this information in your child’s medical records and through testing. If your child is too young to be tested, you can ask their paediatrician for recommendations on how to proceed while they are still growing. Once you have this information, you can identify potential allergens and make changes around your home. You can also ask your child’s school or daycare if they have any policies, procedures, or restrictions about allergies, especially if your child is of school age. Unfortunately, children, these days are dealing with allergies at an early age. In fact, one in every five children under the age of five has allergies. Most allergies tend to be seasonal and are caused by pollen, mould, and dust mites. The good news is that allergies are treatable and, with proper care, can be managed.
How to Properly Store and Label Food
If you are someone who regularly has guests over, or you have small children in your home, you may have to store certain items in a special place. For example, peanuts are one of the most common food allergies, so you may have to store peanuts on a high shelf, or in a separate room. It is essential that you label all food items that are allergens, especially if your child has a severe food allergy. Labelling your food can help reduce the risk of a food allergy reaction. You can buy allergy warning labels online or at most office supply stores. If you have guests over who have allergies, make sure to let them know how to properly store their food items. This will help keep your home a safe space for all allergy individuals.
How to Educate your Child on their Allergies
As a parent, you want your child to understand the severity of their allergies. Therefore, it is important to educate them on what to look out for and what to do if they experience a reaction. To do this, parents can read their child’s allergy action plan together and have frequent discussions on allergies. By keeping the conversation on allergies open, you can help ensure your child stays safe. It is also important to teach your child how to read food labels. This can help them navigate the world, especially if they are out with friends or at a friend’s house. Make sure to also keep your child informed on the rules regarding their allergies at school and daycare.
How to Communicate with your Child’s School and Daycare
Communication is key. In order for everyone involved in your child’s life to understand their allergies, you need to communicate with teachers, school administrators, and other parents. You can find out which items are banned when they are banned, and where they are banned. For example, some schools and daycares may have peanut bans on certain days of the week, while others may have them all the time. You can also ask your child’s school and daycare if they have any allergy policies in place. This will help you understand their protocol and procedures in the event of an allergy reaction. You can also create a letter for parents to sign and keep on file. This will help inform other parents that your child has allergies, what the allergies are and how to handle them properly.
How to Handle Allergic Reactions
As a parent, it is crucial that you know how to handle allergic reactions. This way, you can properly help your child in the event of a reaction. First, make sure to keep your child’s allergy action plan with you at all times. This includes knowing who to call for help, where the medication is, and how to properly use it. If your child has a mild allergic reaction, you can help them by giving them allergy medication.
Tips for Travelling with a Child with Allergies
If you frequently travel with your child, you know how challenging it can be to keep them safe and allergy-free. Here are some tips for travelling with a child who has allergies. Make sure to keep your child’s allergy action plan with you at all times. This way, you have all the important information on hand, including emergency contact information. Have an allergy-free eating plan in place, as well as an allergy-free sleeping plan. This will help your child stay safe and comfortable while travelling. Communicate with your child’s teachers and school, as well as any friends you are travelling with. Finally, make sure to keep your child hydrated.
