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New Diagnosis
A new diagnosis of food or other anaphylactic allergies can feel overwhelming. Understand that you are not alone and the members of LAN are able to help. Visit our Resources page as we have listed some wonderful products and practical information. You may want to view our Publications section under our resource page to find magazine subscriptions and recommended books. Many of our local libraries carry the recommended reading. Additionally, we have a Lending Library full of helpful books for you to borrow.
We encourage you to join our LAN Forum. Introduce yourself and ask questions. Say as much or as little as you'd like. Many of us have experienced some of the emotions you may be going through. Attend a LAN meeting where families get together to speak about their experiences as well as listen to guest speakers.
Join the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN). FAAN hosts an annual conference in the East Coast in Baltimore, MD for the DC Metro area and Terrytown, NY every other year. We encourage you to attend and connect with others. Non members can also sign up for FAAN's email food recall alerts.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL KIT
It is necessary to always carry an emergency medical kit. This kit should contain the appropriate medication for your diagnosis, which may include:
Please be aware that an asthma inhaler and antihistamine cannot resolve anaphylaxis. Only epinephrine can reverse the symptoms of anaphylaxis and it may take more than one shot.
SYMPTOMS OF AN ALLERGIC REACTION
An allergic reaction can occur at any time and progress within seconds. It's important to know what to look out for.
• Hives
• Itching (of any part of the body)
• Swelling (of any part of the body)
• Red, watery eyes
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Change of voice
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Throat tightness or closing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty breathing
• Sens of doom
• Dizziness or loss of consciousness (signs that blood pressure has dropped)
• Change of color
REACTING TO A REACTION
If a reaction has taken place, and epinephrine has been administered, it is recommended to call 911 to be transported to the hospital. It is difficult to drive and care for a loved one experiencing anaphylaxis, at the same time (not to mention dangerous!). Calling 911 will ensure that the allergic individual experiencing anaphylaxis is given the proper attention and any new symptoms can be discussed with the 911 operator. When calling 911, be sure to request back up epinephrines as in some states, it is not necessary for ambulatory personal to stock epinephrine. Therefore, during transport, the medical technician can administer more epinephrine if needed. Additionally, calling 911 may ensure that the allergic individual experiencing anaphylaxis will be seen immediately upon arrival to the hospital. Some area hospitals may have patients wait in the waiting area until called, if arrive by car, which can be very dangerous. A delay of treatment can cause further complications and even death.
It may be helpful to have a typed script to help the communication process during anaphylaxis. One Spot Allergy offers a free script download at http://www.onespotallergy.com/v/vspfiles/assets/images/emergency_protocol_&_911_script_card.pdf. It is especially helpful for babysitters, play-dates and grandparent visits.
It's also important to know how to administer the epinephrine auto injector, EpiPen. Below is a instructional document to help.
We encourage you to join our LAN Forum. Introduce yourself and ask questions. Say as much or as little as you'd like. Many of us have experienced some of the emotions you may be going through. Attend a LAN meeting where families get together to speak about their experiences as well as listen to guest speakers.
Join the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN). FAAN hosts an annual conference in the East Coast in Baltimore, MD for the DC Metro area and Terrytown, NY every other year. We encourage you to attend and connect with others. Non members can also sign up for FAAN's email food recall alerts.
EMERGENCY MEDICAL KIT
It is necessary to always carry an emergency medical kit. This kit should contain the appropriate medication for your diagnosis, which may include:
- Epinephrine - At least 2 doses (carrying more than one is recommended in case one misfires or does not work).
- Inhaler - For those with asthma.
- Antihistamine - The Benadryl brand offers pre-measured spoons while many brands may offer melt-away strips or self-desolvable tablets. Or you may choose to carry a liquid bottle.
- Allergy Action Plan (AAP) - It's important to have an updated plan in the kit. Gina Clowes, a Life Coach and Founder of AllergyMoms.com, discussed that an AAP can help to determine a reaction and the emergency procedure to follow because during the emergency, sometimes it's difficult to react appropriately. Following the plan will help you and/or a by-stander to assist the allergic individual having the reaction.
- Allergy Safe, Shelf Sustainable Foods - Carry safe foods whenever away from home, especially during an extended periods of time. Please note that most hospitals are ill equip to offer allergy-friendly meals. It is important to have safe foods when necessary.
Please be aware that an asthma inhaler and antihistamine cannot resolve anaphylaxis. Only epinephrine can reverse the symptoms of anaphylaxis and it may take more than one shot.
SYMPTOMS OF AN ALLERGIC REACTION
An allergic reaction can occur at any time and progress within seconds. It's important to know what to look out for.
• Hives
• Itching (of any part of the body)
• Swelling (of any part of the body)
• Red, watery eyes
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Change of voice
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Throat tightness or closing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty breathing
• Sens of doom
• Dizziness or loss of consciousness (signs that blood pressure has dropped)
• Change of color
REACTING TO A REACTION
If a reaction has taken place, and epinephrine has been administered, it is recommended to call 911 to be transported to the hospital. It is difficult to drive and care for a loved one experiencing anaphylaxis, at the same time (not to mention dangerous!). Calling 911 will ensure that the allergic individual experiencing anaphylaxis is given the proper attention and any new symptoms can be discussed with the 911 operator. When calling 911, be sure to request back up epinephrines as in some states, it is not necessary for ambulatory personal to stock epinephrine. Therefore, during transport, the medical technician can administer more epinephrine if needed. Additionally, calling 911 may ensure that the allergic individual experiencing anaphylaxis will be seen immediately upon arrival to the hospital. Some area hospitals may have patients wait in the waiting area until called, if arrive by car, which can be very dangerous. A delay of treatment can cause further complications and even death.
It may be helpful to have a typed script to help the communication process during anaphylaxis. One Spot Allergy offers a free script download at http://www.onespotallergy.com/v/vspfiles/assets/images/emergency_protocol_&_911_script_card.pdf. It is especially helpful for babysitters, play-dates and grandparent visits.
It's also important to know how to administer the epinephrine auto injector, EpiPen. Below is a instructional document to help.
| Download the PDF: How To Use the EpiPen |
DINING OUT
When planning to eat out, it is recommended that you call ahead and speak with the management staff. When calling, it's best to call when during down time, not the during lunch or dinner rush so that the management staff can give you the proper attention. Discuss the foods you are avoiding, managing cross contamination and any other concerns. By speaking on the phone with staff, you can gauge their knowledge of food allergies and whether you feel comfortable dining at their establishment.
Once you have determine that you will eat at the restaurant, it's recommended to again speak with the manager, chef and server upon your arrival. Additionally, a "chef's card" is very helpful when speaking the to servers and chefs about food allergies. We have a few chef card suppliers listed in our Shopping page. Additionally, FAAN offers a free printable chef card. Go to: http://www.foodallergy.org/page/chef-card1. Choose between a printable card or interactive card where you can type in your allergies and then print. You may even "laminate" the card.
Homemade Laminated Cards
PRODUCTS CONTAINING ALLERGENS IN YOUR HOME
Depending on the severity of the allergies, you may need to practice strict avoidance of the allergen. Going through your pantry and personal care products can minimize the risk of accidental exposure.
When planning to eat out, it is recommended that you call ahead and speak with the management staff. When calling, it's best to call when during down time, not the during lunch or dinner rush so that the management staff can give you the proper attention. Discuss the foods you are avoiding, managing cross contamination and any other concerns. By speaking on the phone with staff, you can gauge their knowledge of food allergies and whether you feel comfortable dining at their establishment.
Once you have determine that you will eat at the restaurant, it's recommended to again speak with the manager, chef and server upon your arrival. Additionally, a "chef's card" is very helpful when speaking the to servers and chefs about food allergies. We have a few chef card suppliers listed in our Shopping page. Additionally, FAAN offers a free printable chef card. Go to: http://www.foodallergy.org/page/chef-card1. Choose between a printable card or interactive card where you can type in your allergies and then print. You may even "laminate" the card.
Homemade Laminated Cards
- After printing, cut the cards out.
- Use clear packing tape and tape the front and the back of the card.
- Trim the edges being sure not to trim too close to the page.
PRODUCTS CONTAINING ALLERGENS IN YOUR HOME
Depending on the severity of the allergies, you may need to practice strict avoidance of the allergen. Going through your pantry and personal care products can minimize the risk of accidental exposure.
INFANCY & PRESCHOOL AGE
If your newly diagnosed child is in this young age group, it is important to recognize how a child may describe a reaction. Many cannot properly describe what they are feeling. They may do certain things like tug at their tongue or scratch it. If they are able to speak some things that they may say are:
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Label your child's bottles and sippy cups. This can avoid accidental cross contamination. See our "Online Shopping"
section of the resources page to order labels. You may also want to
carry wet wipes or antibacterial wipes to clean surfaces. The protein
from the allergen must be properly cleaned to decontaminate the area
where your child will be sitting or playing[2]. Hand sanitizer
does not properly remove the protein from hands, so practice frequent
hand washing and instruct those who will be in contact with your child
to do the same.
| SCHOOL AGE
This is an exciting time for children. It can also be a difficult time for the families of the food allergic child and the child his/herself. You are encouraged to review the "Food Allergies in School" and the "LAN School Action Group" page. Read through it carefully and contact a LAN School Action Group member for additional assistance. The emotional impact of food allergies can vary as children progress through different developmental stages. Children with food allergies can experience exclusion, social isolation, anxiety, depression, embarrassment, irritability, risk taking behavior, disordered eating behaviors and excessive compulsive behaviors. |
Sources:
[1] Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network - How a Child Might Describe a Reaction
[2] Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network - Cleaning Methods
(Distribution of peanut allergen in the environment. Perry TT, Conover-Walker MK, Pomes A, Chapman MD, Wood RA. J.Clin Immunol, Vol. 113, No. 5.)
[1] Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network - How a Child Might Describe a Reaction
[2] Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network - Cleaning Methods
(Distribution of peanut allergen in the environment. Perry TT, Conover-Walker MK, Pomes A, Chapman MD, Wood RA. J.Clin Immunol, Vol. 113, No. 5.)
