It's that time of year again. Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) is holding the 13th annual awareness week May 9-15. This year's title is Respect Every Bite and FAAN's site offers some great ways to commemorate Food Allergy Awareness Week. Check it out for sample presentations directed to elementary schools, teens or corporate settings. Find a link to petition your state for a proclamation. Download and print resources to educate others about food allergy.
Go ahead...May 9 will be here before you know it. Plan now!
Showing posts with label children with food allergy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children with food allergy. Show all posts
Fish Allergy
So the other day while I was on the treadmill watching a recently taped Dr. Oz (hey, I find it motivating to exercise during Dr. Oz. At least I'm doing one thing right!), he mentioned reactions to fish. It was during a segment on what to order and what to avoid in restaurants. The discussion was that fish served in a restaurant is often "expired", or ahem...a little past it's freshness date. Beware as these are often listed on the "specials" menu. It turns out that "expired fish" releases histamine, which can cause a reaction characterized by increased heart rate, rash and hives.
This occurrence leaves the diner with the impression they have a fish allergy.
Not so.
The diagnosis is histamine fish poisoning. The symptoms are strictly related to consuming fish that has been improperly refrigerated for a period of time. The treatment is antihistamines, based on the severity of the reaction. Symptoms generally subside within 6 hours.
Of course fish allergy is real and presents with many of the same symptoms. Talk to a medical care provider if there are any concerns of a true fish allergy.
This occurrence leaves the diner with the impression they have a fish allergy.
Not so.
The diagnosis is histamine fish poisoning. The symptoms are strictly related to consuming fish that has been improperly refrigerated for a period of time. The treatment is antihistamines, based on the severity of the reaction. Symptoms generally subside within 6 hours.
Of course fish allergy is real and presents with many of the same symptoms. Talk to a medical care provider if there are any concerns of a true fish allergy.
Extreme Food Allergies
Can you imagine being allergic to over 95% of all foods?
Can you imagine getting most of your food through a feeding tube because it's really the only safe way to get nourishment?
I saw this inspiring story over the weekend about a 12 year old figure skater with severe food allergies.
I could really relate to her mother who said she just "wished she could trade places with her" (daughter).
It is so hard to watch your child deal with life threatening issues every day.
Kendall has her own website which may help others who deal with food allergies at this level.
What a story!
Can you imagine getting most of your food through a feeding tube because it's really the only safe way to get nourishment?
I saw this inspiring story over the weekend about a 12 year old figure skater with severe food allergies.
I could really relate to her mother who said she just "wished she could trade places with her" (daughter).
It is so hard to watch your child deal with life threatening issues every day.
Kendall has her own website which may help others who deal with food allergies at this level.
What a story!
Rough Recovery
It's been a hard week for my little guy (and the rest of the family) as he recovers from tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. The doctors are very nice, but quite casual about the whole recovery process.
We wound up going to the emergency room Thursday night. He had been having such a hard time swallowing he needed fluids, morphine for pain and a steroid to shrink the swelling. There was talk of admitting him as he still wasn't swallowing easier after several hours. We decided to go home (for reasons explained below) and we had an okay week-end. Still not out of the woods yet. Dr. said we may need to take him back again for more fluids- ugh!
So we opted not to stay overnight...here's why. When we walked into the ER, we saw signs posted- "If you've been to Mexico, Texas or New York City recently and have flu-like symptoms, alert the staff immediately". At registration we were offered masks. People in the waiting area were wearing masks and several looked very sick with flu-like symptoms.
It looked like a scene in a movie.
Later, when an overnight stay was being discussed, the pediatrician from the floor talked to our ER nurse. The pediatrician advised that we try to take him home as there was "a lot of flu on the pediatric unit". We high-tailed it out of there.
So, we're managing, but still lots of pain, especially in the morning. A popsicle and pain medicine helps that. Then I begin my mantra for the rest of the day, "Drink, swallow, drink, swallow". After I say that about 10,000 times it's time for bed and we begin the whole thing the next morning.
This too shall pass...
We wound up going to the emergency room Thursday night. He had been having such a hard time swallowing he needed fluids, morphine for pain and a steroid to shrink the swelling. There was talk of admitting him as he still wasn't swallowing easier after several hours. We decided to go home (for reasons explained below) and we had an okay week-end. Still not out of the woods yet. Dr. said we may need to take him back again for more fluids- ugh!
So we opted not to stay overnight...here's why. When we walked into the ER, we saw signs posted- "If you've been to Mexico, Texas or New York City recently and have flu-like symptoms, alert the staff immediately". At registration we were offered masks. People in the waiting area were wearing masks and several looked very sick with flu-like symptoms.
It looked like a scene in a movie.
Later, when an overnight stay was being discussed, the pediatrician from the floor talked to our ER nurse. The pediatrician advised that we try to take him home as there was "a lot of flu on the pediatric unit". We high-tailed it out of there.
So, we're managing, but still lots of pain, especially in the morning. A popsicle and pain medicine helps that. Then I begin my mantra for the rest of the day, "Drink, swallow, drink, swallow". After I say that about 10,000 times it's time for bed and we begin the whole thing the next morning.
This too shall pass...
Closing out Food Allergy Awareness Week
Don't forget the Food Allergy Twitter Party at noon and 10:30 pm (Eastern Time) today! Go to tweetgrid.com and type in #foodallergy.
As we wrap-up Food Allergy Awareness Week, check out this list put together by Linda Coss. She's right on target. In light of our experience this week, I must add a #11:
Better Methods to Diagnosis Food Allergies- skin tests are unreliable in most allergenic children. Blood tests give too many false positives. Food challenges are filled with subjective evaluation and are traumatic for the allergic person and their family. We need some kind or x-ray or MRI-type machine to scan for food allergies in a non-invasive way.
Is that too much to ask?
Here's Linda's list...
Top 10 Things Parents of Children with Life-Threatening Food Allergies Want
By Food Allergy Author Linda Coss
#10: Delicious and Easy Recipes – For those who must eliminate multiple and/or common ingredients, cooking can be an enormous challenge.
#9: To Be Able to Easily Dine Out – We understand that it is not easy to prepare allergen-free food in the typical busy restaurant kitchen. But it would be nice if we could easily get correct answers regarding what’s in the food.
#8: Nut-Free Flights – Airlines cannot control the food brought on board a flight by their passengers, but why must they serve little bags of peanuts? How about crackers, pretzels, raisins, licorice, tortilla chips, or just about any other popular snack food?
#7: Empowered EMTs – In many parts of the country emergency medical technicians do not carry – and are forbidden from administering – potentially life-saving shots of epinephrine. This is ridiculous.
#6: Appropriate ER Protocols – Because up to 40-50% of severe reactions are biphasic, those who go to the hospital for treatment should always be kept under observation for at least 5 hours. Unfortunately many emergency rooms discharge these patients as soon as they first stabilize.
#5: Understanding – We want the people in our lives to understand that we are not a bunch of paranoid hysterical oddballs who are making all of this up for the purpose of calling attention to ourselves and our children. Life-threatening food allergies are a very real condition. And yes, we really do have to take a lot of precautions to keep our kids safe.
#4: Knowledge – Currently the only treatment for life-threatening food allergies is complete avoidance of the offending allergens. Since food, and food residue, is everywhere, parents want to know exactly how to accomplish this seemingly impossible task. What steps do they need to take? What hidden dangers do they need to avoid?
#3: Clear Labels on Packaged Food Products – If there is a chance that a product may contain an allergen that is not included in the ingredient label, the package should say so. But if not, companies should not put “may contain” verbiage on the package.
#2: Safe School Environments – Our kids are not learning disabled and do not need “special education.” But they do need a school environment that is not covered with allergenic food residue, and teachers who are prepared to recognize and treat an allergic reaction.
And the number one thing parents of children with life-threatening food allergies want?
Drum Roll.....
#1: A Cure – Most of all, we want a cure. A real cure – the type of cure that would result in our children being able to eat whatever they wanted to eat, without any risk of an adverse reaction.
Ms. Coss is the author of “How to Manage Your Child’s Life-Threatening Food Allergies,” as well as two popular food allergy cookbooks, “What’s to Eat?” and “What Else is to Eat?” – both of which provide recipes for cooking without dairy, egg, peanut or tree nut ingredients. All three books are available at www.FoodAllergyBooks.com, at Amazon.com, and at various retailers nationwide.
As we wrap-up Food Allergy Awareness Week, check out this list put together by Linda Coss. She's right on target. In light of our experience this week, I must add a #11:
Better Methods to Diagnosis Food Allergies- skin tests are unreliable in most allergenic children. Blood tests give too many false positives. Food challenges are filled with subjective evaluation and are traumatic for the allergic person and their family. We need some kind or x-ray or MRI-type machine to scan for food allergies in a non-invasive way.
Is that too much to ask?
Here's Linda's list...
Top 10 Things Parents of Children with Life-Threatening Food Allergies Want
By Food Allergy Author Linda Coss
#10: Delicious and Easy Recipes – For those who must eliminate multiple and/or common ingredients, cooking can be an enormous challenge.
#9: To Be Able to Easily Dine Out – We understand that it is not easy to prepare allergen-free food in the typical busy restaurant kitchen. But it would be nice if we could easily get correct answers regarding what’s in the food.
#8: Nut-Free Flights – Airlines cannot control the food brought on board a flight by their passengers, but why must they serve little bags of peanuts? How about crackers, pretzels, raisins, licorice, tortilla chips, or just about any other popular snack food?
#7: Empowered EMTs – In many parts of the country emergency medical technicians do not carry – and are forbidden from administering – potentially life-saving shots of epinephrine. This is ridiculous.
#6: Appropriate ER Protocols – Because up to 40-50% of severe reactions are biphasic, those who go to the hospital for treatment should always be kept under observation for at least 5 hours. Unfortunately many emergency rooms discharge these patients as soon as they first stabilize.
#5: Understanding – We want the people in our lives to understand that we are not a bunch of paranoid hysterical oddballs who are making all of this up for the purpose of calling attention to ourselves and our children. Life-threatening food allergies are a very real condition. And yes, we really do have to take a lot of precautions to keep our kids safe.
#4: Knowledge – Currently the only treatment for life-threatening food allergies is complete avoidance of the offending allergens. Since food, and food residue, is everywhere, parents want to know exactly how to accomplish this seemingly impossible task. What steps do they need to take? What hidden dangers do they need to avoid?
#3: Clear Labels on Packaged Food Products – If there is a chance that a product may contain an allergen that is not included in the ingredient label, the package should say so. But if not, companies should not put “may contain” verbiage on the package.
#2: Safe School Environments – Our kids are not learning disabled and do not need “special education.” But they do need a school environment that is not covered with allergenic food residue, and teachers who are prepared to recognize and treat an allergic reaction.
And the number one thing parents of children with life-threatening food allergies want?
Drum Roll.....
#1: A Cure – Most of all, we want a cure. A real cure – the type of cure that would result in our children being able to eat whatever they wanted to eat, without any risk of an adverse reaction.
Ms. Coss is the author of “How to Manage Your Child’s Life-Threatening Food Allergies,” as well as two popular food allergy cookbooks, “What’s to Eat?” and “What Else is to Eat?” – both of which provide recipes for cooking without dairy, egg, peanut or tree nut ingredients. All three books are available at www.FoodAllergyBooks.com, at Amazon.com, and at various retailers nationwide.
Friday Feature: Harriet Picker- Asthma and Food Allergy Activist and Educator
Harriet is a mom of two food allergic children in New York City. Learn about how she educates and advocates for those with allergies and/or asthma through our Q&A below:
FAA: What is your food allergy background?
I grew up with food allergies and asthma. Before having children, I was a teacher and then a health educator, focusing on teaching kids and parents about asthma. My older son was diagnosed with an egg and a dairy allergy at 15 months. My younger son who is now 2, is allergic to dairy, wheat, beef, nuts, soy, eggs, and legumes.
FAA: What are you passionate about in the food allergy field?
I am passionate about educating people about food allergies; I am also passionate about schools creating plans to deal with food allergies.
Many people only think nut allergies are the dangerous ones, I have to convince people that dairy, egg, soy and other allergies can be just as dangerous.
FAA: What else are you working on in the food allergy area?
My main goal is to get the NYC public school system to acknowledge the need for food allergy protocols.
I am not a fan of banning foods. However, precautions need to be put in place and a protocol established. I believe allergy tables, frequent hand-washing, and table wiping are a start. Concerning snacks, which is an issue in my school, I would end the “Shared Snack“ policy. For many reasons parents should send in their own snack for their own child. I would also suggest a birthday party notification policy. That way the parent of an allergic child can bring in something if needed.
Most importantly, staff development is necessary to teach all school staff about what food allergies are, what to look for, and the use of epi-pens. Each year teachers should ask incoming parents about food allergies and a class should establish its own policy.
Currently, I am discussing these ideas with a few allergists in NYC and with my school’s nurse. If anyone wants to contact me about this issue, find me on Twitter @Harriet75 or e-mail me at "Alisaha2@aol.com".
FAA: What are your favorite food allergy friendly food staples?
I have so many! I love rice flour, Vans wheat-free waffles, Southern homestyle corn flake crumbs, Enjoy Life boom-choco-boom dairy free rice milk crispy rice bars, all of the gluten-free Cherrybrook Kitchen cake and cookie mixes, potatoes, and rice pasta, My new favorite item, but it's hard to find, is Ricera rice yogurt.
FAA: What are some of your other interests/hobbies?
I love theatre, performing and directing! I studied theatre in college and I have a Masters in Educational Theatre. I developed an asthma program that went into NYC schools in which I combined my love for theatre and knowledge of asthma to teach kids about asthma. I love being able to combine my passions.
Thank you, Harriet, for working with schools, children and parents to create awareness around food allergies and asthma!
FAA: What is your food allergy background?
I grew up with food allergies and asthma. Before having children, I was a teacher and then a health educator, focusing on teaching kids and parents about asthma. My older son was diagnosed with an egg and a dairy allergy at 15 months. My younger son who is now 2, is allergic to dairy, wheat, beef, nuts, soy, eggs, and legumes.
FAA: What are you passionate about in the food allergy field?
I am passionate about educating people about food allergies; I am also passionate about schools creating plans to deal with food allergies.
Many people only think nut allergies are the dangerous ones, I have to convince people that dairy, egg, soy and other allergies can be just as dangerous.
FAA: What else are you working on in the food allergy area?
My main goal is to get the NYC public school system to acknowledge the need for food allergy protocols.
I am not a fan of banning foods. However, precautions need to be put in place and a protocol established. I believe allergy tables, frequent hand-washing, and table wiping are a start. Concerning snacks, which is an issue in my school, I would end the “Shared Snack“ policy. For many reasons parents should send in their own snack for their own child. I would also suggest a birthday party notification policy. That way the parent of an allergic child can bring in something if needed.
Most importantly, staff development is necessary to teach all school staff about what food allergies are, what to look for, and the use of epi-pens. Each year teachers should ask incoming parents about food allergies and a class should establish its own policy.
Currently, I am discussing these ideas with a few allergists in NYC and with my school’s nurse. If anyone wants to contact me about this issue, find me on Twitter @Harriet75 or e-mail me at "Alisaha2@aol.com".
FAA: What are your favorite food allergy friendly food staples?
I have so many! I love rice flour, Vans wheat-free waffles, Southern homestyle corn flake crumbs, Enjoy Life boom-choco-boom dairy free rice milk crispy rice bars, all of the gluten-free Cherrybrook Kitchen cake and cookie mixes, potatoes, and rice pasta, My new favorite item, but it's hard to find, is Ricera rice yogurt.
FAA: What are some of your other interests/hobbies?
I love theatre, performing and directing! I studied theatre in college and I have a Masters in Educational Theatre. I developed an asthma program that went into NYC schools in which I combined my love for theatre and knowledge of asthma to teach kids about asthma. I love being able to combine my passions.
Thank you, Harriet, for working with schools, children and parents to create awareness around food allergies and asthma!
Rock-O, the Peanut Sniffing Dog
The Obama family choose a Portuguese Water Dog for a pet. The Mers' family has one for a very different reason.
Hats off to Sherry- one creative mom! She noticed dogs sniffing luggage at an airport customs counter. They were searching for fruits and vegetables being brought into the country illegally. Then, light bulb moment...why not use dogs as a service animal to sniff out allergens for severely allergic children like her daughter Riley?
It turns out that this idea has been floating around for several years. In 2005, a Jacksonville FL teen hoped her peanut sniffing dog would enable her attend school. The price tag is high- $12,000-$15,000 for a dog. Several communities have begun fund raising efforts to help severely allergic children in their town afford a dog.
For more information, check out Angel Service Dogs, a website created by the Mers.
Learn more about these peanut dogs from the trainers at
Peanut Detector Dogs.
What a great idea!
As always, turn to the Food Allergy Assistant for food allergy news.
Hats off to Sherry- one creative mom! She noticed dogs sniffing luggage at an airport customs counter. They were searching for fruits and vegetables being brought into the country illegally. Then, light bulb moment...why not use dogs as a service animal to sniff out allergens for severely allergic children like her daughter Riley?
It turns out that this idea has been floating around for several years. In 2005, a Jacksonville FL teen hoped her peanut sniffing dog would enable her attend school. The price tag is high- $12,000-$15,000 for a dog. Several communities have begun fund raising efforts to help severely allergic children in their town afford a dog.
For more information, check out Angel Service Dogs, a website created by the Mers.
Learn more about these peanut dogs from the trainers at
Peanut Detector Dogs.
What a great idea!
As always, turn to the Food Allergy Assistant for food allergy news.
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