Everything Parents Need To Know About Tree Nut Allergies In Kids
If your child is one of the many who suffer from tree nut allergies, you are probably all too familiar with the challenges that come with this condition. Tree nuts are found in many common foods, and tracking everything your child eats can be tricky. As a mother, I faced the same challenges.
My youngest daughter, Nariyah, was diagnosed with tree nut allergies when she was 5. She’s gradually growing out of it, and we no longer require an epi-pen, but she is still nervous when she goes to school or birthday parties.
In this blog post, I will discuss the most important things parents need to know about tree nut allergies in kids. I will also provide helpful tips for keeping your child safe and healthy!
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What Are Tree Nut Allergies In Kids?
Tree nut allergies are one of the most common food allergies in children. They can be challenging to manage because tree nuts are found in many different foods. The most common tree nuts that cause allergies are:
- Peanuts
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Pistachios
- Pecans
In addition to avoiding tree nuts, you must be careful of anything that may have come into contact with them. Even trace amounts of tree nut allergens can trigger a severe reaction, so it’s essential to be vigilant.
Symptoms Of Tree Nut Allergies In Kids:
The symptoms of a tree nut allergy can range from mild to severe; in some cases, they can even be life-threatening. The most common symptom of a tree nut allergy is itching or swelling of the mouth and throat; this can happen within minutes of exposure to tree nuts or after eating them.
Other symptoms include:
- hives
- wheezing
- difficulty breathing
- abdominal pain
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- dizziness
If your child has any of these symptoms after exposure to tree nuts, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Most kids with tree nut allergies can enjoy a happy and healthy life with proper treatment.
How Can You Tell If Your Child Has A Tree Nut Allergy, And How Is It Diagnosed?
If you suspect your child has a tree nut allergy, it is important to see an allergist for a proper diagnosis. They will also ask about your child’s symptoms and when they started.
Once your doctor has this information, they may recommend some allergy testing, such as:
- Blood tests
- Skin prick tests
Blood and skin prick tests are common ways to test for a tree nut allergy. This test can confirm the presence of tree nut antibodies.
Treatments:
Once a diagnosis has been made, your allergist will work with you to develop a treatment plan for your kid. Some of these may involve:
- Avoidance of tree nuts
- Injectable Epinephrine
- Desensitization Therapy
Avoidance Of Tree Nuts
The most important treatment for a tree nut allergy is avoidance of tree nuts and products that contain them. It can be difficult, as tree nuts are found in many common foods, such as ice cream, cereal, and granola bars.
However, with careful label reading and awareness of potential allergens, it is possible to avoid tree nuts.
Injectable Epinephrine
Many emergency treatments are also available for kids with severe tree nut allergies. These include injectable epinephrine, which can be used to treat anaphylactic reactions quickly, and antihistamines, which can help to reduce symptoms such as hives and itching.
Desensitization Therapy
Desensitization therapy is a promising treatment option for children with tree nut allergies. Also called oral immunotherapy, this treatment gradually increases the amount of tree nut protein the child consumes. The goal is to build up the child’s tolerance to tree nuts so they can eventually eat them without an allergic reaction.
If you’re considering desensitization therapy for your child, it’s important to talk to an allergy specialist to see if it’s right for them. This treatment is not without risk, and it’s crucial to ensure that your child is monitored closely by a medical professional.
With proper diagnosis and treatment, kids with tree nut allergies can enjoy everyday life.
Can Kids Outgrow Their Tree Nut Allergies?
The good news is that most children outgrow their tree nut allergy. Studies have shown that up to 60% of kids will outgrow their allergy by age 16. New treatments are on the horizon for those who don’t, showing promise.
OIT
One such treatment is oral immunotherapy or OIT. With OIT, patients are slowly exposed to increasing amounts of tree nut allergen. This helps the body tolerate the allergen and reduces the severity of reactions.
Slit
Another promising treatment is sublingual immunotherapy or SLIT. With SLIT, patients place a drop of tree nut allergen solution under their tongues each day. This also helps the body to tolerate the allergen and can reduce the severity of reactions.
How Can You Manage Kids When They’re At School or Friends’ Houses etc.?
Managing kids with nut allergies can be tricky, especially when they’re away from home. Here are a few tips to help keep your child safe:
- Talk to your child’s school about their allergy policy.
- Teach your child how to self-advocate.
- Send along safe snacks and lunch items from home.
- Keep an emergency kit on hand. This should include antihistamines and an EpiPen in case of a severe reaction.
Wrapping Up – Tree Nut Allergies In Kids
If your child has a tree nut allergy, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to avoid exposure. While there is no cure for a tree nut allergy, with proper management, most kids can enjoy a happy and healthy life. See an allergist for accurate diagnosis and treatment if you suspect your child has a tree nut allergy. And always keep an emergency kit on hand, just in case.
Everything Parents Need To Know About Tree Nut Allergies In Kids
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