In Hong Kong, around 5% of children aged 14 or below suffer from food allergies, according to the Allergy Alliance.1 Shellfish and peanut are among the most common allergens. Here are their causes and symptoms.
Shellfish allergy
Shellfish allergy is an overreaction by the body’s immune system to proteins in shellfish. People allergic to shellfish can experience allergic reactions when they simply handle shellfish or breathe in steam while shellfish are being cooked.
Allergic reactions include hives, vomiting, and dizziness. The most severe form of allergic reaction is anaphylaxis, which leads to airway constriction. Anaphylaxis could potentially be life-threatening.2
Peanut allergy
Allergic reactions to peanuts include itchy skins, swelling of the tongue, and anaphylaxis.
Children may not be fully aware of the consequences of their food allergies. Therefore, parents must be extra careful in avoiding it from happening. Here are some useful tips.
- As with all types of food allergies, avoiding the particular type of food is the best treatment.
- Inform your children’s school of their condition.
- Teach your children not to swap food with their friends.
- Always carry at least one epinephrine auto-injector with you and also in their bag in case of anaphylaxis.3 Regularly keep a check on the expiry date of the epinephrine.4
- Reading food labels is an inevitable part of managing life with a food allergy. If your child has food allergy, teach them how to read food labels as soon as they know how to read.5
Dealing with food allergies can be daunting, especially when it happens to your children. Follow these precautions and help them keep allergies at bay.
Sources
- https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-beauty/article/2083807/worlds-growing-allergy-problem-how-find-out-if-you-have-one. Viewed on 02 Sep 2018.
- https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/shellfish-allergy.html. Viewed on 02 Sep 2018.
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shellfish-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20377503. Viewed on 02 Sep 2018.
- https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Peanut_and_tree_nut_allergy/. Viewed on 02 Sep 2018.
- https://www.foodallergy.org/life-with-food-allergies/living-well-everyday/how-to-read-food-labels. Viewed on 02 Sep 2018.