Be a PAL to a Friend with Food Allergies

Food allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks a food protein. Ingestion of the offending food may trigger the sudden release of chemicals, including histamine, resulting in symptoms of an allergic reaction. The symptoms may be mild (rashes, hives, itching, swelling, etc.) or severe (trouble breathing, wheezing, loss of consciousness, etc.). A food allergy can be potentially fatal.

According to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, approximately 12 million people in the U.S. have food allergies. That’s one in 25, or 4% of the population. Food allergies are more prevalent among young children – one in 17 under the age of three has food allergies.

Kids who have food allergies need help to keep them safe. The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network encourages you to become a PAL – Protect A Life from Food Allergies. You can be a PAL by:

1. Never taking food allergies lightly. Don’t joke about it, or tease kids who have food allergies. And most importantly – NEVER, NEVER try to trick someone into eating food they’re allergic to.

2. Don’t share food with kids who have food allergies. It may contain something harmful to them.

3. Wash your hands after eating. Beside being a healthy habit – you’ll clean off any food that’s on your hands.

4. Ask what your friends are allergic too and help them avoid it. Reading food labels can be tricky. If there’s a question, it’s better that the child not eat it. Consider celebrating with non-food treats and activities – like games, stickers and other prizes.

5. If a friend becomes ill, get help immediately. Tell an adult immediately if your friend with food allergies starts vomiting, gets a swollen face or lips, has difficulty breathing, starts coughing sneezing or eyes begin to water or their skin gets bumpy, red and itchy. An allergic reaction can happen anytime, anywhere, even several minutes after eating. Always be on the alert.

For more information go to http://www.foodallergy.org/.

Dr. Viren Bavishi
Pediatrician
Meriter Middleton Pediatrics
meriterkids.com

When April showers bring more than May flowers

Yes, spring is finally here … I always look forward to this season. You can see the grass turn green, flowers starting to bloom. Ah, fresh air. But for some people it may be a season that brings misery. Seasonal allergies are common at this time of the year. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, more than 40 million Americans suffer from indoor/outdoor allergies. Unfortunately, kids can suffer from seasonal allergies as well. In fact, if a parent has allergies, the risk is higher for the child to develop them. I guess my kids can blame my wife and me for theirs.

What are the symptoms? Sneezing, clear nasal discharge and itchy eyes, are typical complaints. Sometimes a pattern of chronic colds may occur at the same time of the year as well. Other complaints may include throat clearing, stuffy nose, itchy nose and throat. In some individuals, a cough may be present. Children with allergies may have dark circles under their eyes, called "allergic shiners." And everyone has seen the classic "allergic salute." My son can demonstrate this very well. (It’s the process of itching or rubbing the nose upward with their palm.) Untreated allergies may also affect a child’s sleep patterns as well, which in turn, may affect their school or sports performance.

Sometimes the symptoms of a cold may be mistaken for allergies and vice versa. But, duration, fevers, color of discharge, as well as other symptoms can be used to differentiate between the two. For example, a fever may accompany a cold, but you would not expect that with seasonal allergies. If you are not certain, my advice would be to discuss this with your child’s doctor.

Treatment:
· Limit the time spent outside or during the peak times of pollen count
· Change clothes and wash your child’s hair after they play outside
· Keep the windows closed, or turn the air conditioner on (assuming it’s warm outside)
· Tree pollen counts may be high early in the morning during spring. During the summer, try to avoid the afternoons or early evening, to avoid grass pollen. Ragweed allergy is prevalent in the fall season and high during midday.

Medications: There are many medications to treat allergies, ranging from over the counter anti-histamines to prescription nasal sprays and medications. I’m certain you have seen the commercials. The variety of medications in the pharmacy can be quite overwhelming. My advice would be to talk to your child's doctor. You want to make certain the symptoms are consistent with seasonal allergies and not any other condition, and you also want to make sure they are age-appropriate. Allergy medications and homeopathic remedies may also have side-effects that can cause drug interaction, serious and dangerous side-effects and cause injury.

I hope that you and your family are able to enjoy this vibrant time of year.

Viren Bavishi, D.O.

Pediatrician

Meriter Pediatrics

2275 Deming Way, Suite 220

Middleton, WI 53562

608.417.8388

meriter.com/pediatrics