A food allergy occurs when the body mistakes a particular food as harmful.
An allergic reaction is your body’s immune system fighting back. The severe
form of an allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis (anna-fill-axis).
It can be life-threatening.
If you are not sure whether your child is at risk of a severe allergic reaction,
ask your doctor. If your child has severe food allergies, ask your doctor to
write an emergency plan that explains what to do in case of an allergic reaction.
Children at risk for severe food allergy should see an allergist. Preschool
children should see a pediatric allergist.
Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis,
can vary and include any of the following:
Skin: hives, swelling (including throat, tongue, lips or eyes), itching, warmth, redness, rash, pale skin or blue colour;
Breathing: wheezing, trouble breathing, cough, change of voice, throat tightness or chest tightness;
Stomach: vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain or diarrhea;
Other: weak pulse, passing out, feeling faint, trouble swallowing, runny nose and itchy watery eyes, sneezing, anxiety or headache.
Symptoms can occur within minutes of eating or being exposed to the food, but they usually occur
within two hours. It is less common for symptoms to occur hours later.
A severe allergic reaction, or anaphylaxis, should be treated with a medication
called epinephrine (eh-puh-NEH-fren). Epinephrine helps reverse the symptoms
of an allergic reaction and saves lives. Epinephrine comes in a pre-loaded syringe
called an auto-injector. Epinephrine will not cause harm if
given unnecessarily to a healthy person.
Children with severe food allergies must always carry epinephrine or keep it near them.
Young children might need an adult to carry it, such as a family member or teacher.
Steps for treating a severe allergic
reaction or anaphylaxis:
Inject epinephrine right away into the muscle of the outer thigh;
Call 911;
Have the child lie down, unless they are throwing up or having trouble breathing;
Don't leave the child alone.
A second dose of epinephrine can be given 10-15 minutes after the first dose, or sooner
if symptoms do not get better or return. Give the second dose in the outer
thigh of the other leg.
Children should always be taken to the hospital following a severe allergic reaction.
Children with food allergies must avoid even very small amounts of the food
to which they are allergic. Actions you can take to lower the chance of a reaction include:
Always read food labels and learn how to recognize allergens, which are the foods or
substances that cause the allergic reaction.
Do not give your child bulk or unlabelled foods.
Try new foods at home where you can watch your child closely.
Do not allow your child to share or trade food or utensils such as spoons, straws, cups or napkins.
Serve food on a clean plate, napkin or wax paper instead of on a table or desk.
Do not allow your child to eat if epinephrine is not handy.
Clean tables and other objects.
Wash your child's hands before and after eating.
Teach your child not to put objects in their mouth such as pencils.
Watch young children while they are eating.
When away from home, your young child should only eat foods brought from home or approved by you.
Although the chance of an allergic reaction can not be eliminated, there are steps you can
take to reduce the risk to your child.
Ask for a copy of the school or child care anaphylaxis policy.
Give the school or child care a copy of your child's emergency plan.
Work with the staff to develop a plan for your child.
Give written consent for all staff to give your child epinephrine for a
severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis.
Give the school or child care an epinephrine auto-injector for your child. Ask to keep it in a secure,
unlocked place that is easy to access. Provide a new one before the expiry date.
Update the school or child care about your child's allergies at the beginning of each school year.
Preparing your child
When your child is ready, you can help prepare your child to manage their severe food allergy.
Teach your child what to do to help avoid a reaction.
Have your child wear a medical alert bracelet.
Teach your child how to give himself or herself epinephrine and to carry the
epinephrine auto-injector at all times, such as in a waist pack. It should
not be kept in a school locker.
Have your child tell his or her friends about the allergies,
where the epinephrine auto-injector is kept, and know how to use it.
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