Top quality food allergy T.shirts? Families have been asking about whether to go to the Emergency Department if a family member has symptoms of an allergic reaction or an asthma attack, and raising the issue of teaching alternate caregivers about allergy management. Interestingly, some families have told us that social distancing measures decreased their anxiety about allergen exposures. During the time of children staying home, they have been feeling more comfortable that they can control what allergens are present.
You’ve gotten through that first scary food allergy experience and doctor’s visit… now what? How do you explain all of this complex information to your little one so they understand it? So they don’t make a mistake? So they can get help when they need it? I may sound like a broken record but I cannot stress this enough: Understanding your child’s diagnosis is key, as a poorly understood medical diagnosis becomes even more of a stressor. If you left the doctor’s office and still have questions, don’t hesitate to go back and get your questions answered. Once you intimately understand your child’s diagnosis, then you will be able to break it down into simple concepts your child can understand.
Negotiating these challenges can be hard. One way we found that helped, was to advertise our son’s allergy on the back of his T.Shirts. The best thing was he loved wearing them. He loved wearing them so much, that it was top of the list to be packed for holidays and events. Food allergies impact not only on the social life of the person with the allergy, but also for their family and friends. Severe food allergies can cause serious health consequences, and must be managed carefully. Food is central to all our lives and is inextricably linked with our general health and well-being. We use food to mark celebrations from festive seasons, birthday parties, school events, school trips, restaurants and sleepovers to name but a few. See even more info at Child Allergy Tshirts.
Allergic reactions to foods, medicines and insect stings can vary from person to person and from one exposure to the next. Most often, symptoms have a rapid onset, and the quicker medical attention is received, the better. That’s why it’s important to be able to recognize the symptoms and know how to respond. Six years later, our first born, then a fifth grader with no known allergies, bit into a cookie containing walnuts and began to have trouble breathing. Since we’d been managing his little brother’s food allergies for years, we knew he needed epinephrine and a call to 911 right away, because what he experienced that night is known as anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.
Food allergies can be scary at any age, but young children face extra challenges, both in understanding what a food allergy is and how to keep themselves safe. Kids may feel isolated or “weird” as a result of their food allergy diagnosis, and they may not know how to express their emotions fully. The best way to support your child is to talk about these issues together! After you’ve been to the allergist, sit down to discuss which foods are safe and unsafe. Encourage your child to ask questions and keep gently checking in over time. Ask how they feel and whether they have any worries, fears or concerns. The more comfortable your child feels bringing up their food allergy with you, the more supportive you can be. By creating an open environment, you’ll help your child understand their body better—and feel more empowered to manage their own food allergy at school, sports practice or other activities outside the home. See additional information at https://www.bootnautkids.co.uk/.