Answer: Last week, we looked at some of the different types of foods that commonly cause allergic reactions. In no particular order, these were milk, eggs, fish and shellfish, and wheat, along with nuts and peanuts. As will be immediately obvious on looking through that list, avoiding all of those foods is difficult to say the least for most of us and tremendously impractical given our diet in this country, coupled with the fact that a lot of them are staples of a healthy, balanced food regimen for the majority of people who will probably never develop allergies.
Another factor to consider with allergic reactions is that they are most often triggered by foods that are included as additives to larger dishes (say peanuts in a chilli dish or prawns in a chicken pasta), so rather than avoiding perfectly good and nutritious foods, it is best to know what the various symptoms of an allergic reaction are so that they can be caught early and more serious situations arrested before they can develop further.
Early Signs or Mild Reactions
If your child is allergic to a certain type of food, this will begin to manifest itself in a number of ways. Some children complain of an itchy or tingling feeling around their mouths after eating, for example. You might take notice if this differs from the usual complaints you hear about how bad or good something tastes. Abdominal pain and/or diarrhoea are definite signs that the food in question should be treated with caution in the future. Skin conditions like eczema or hives are also tell-tale signs that your child perhaps has a problem with properly processing some of the food they ate. On their own, these are not particularly harmful, discomfort from itching being the main consequence, and your local pharmacist will be able to advise on the correct course of treatment without the need for a doctor’s appointment.
Stronger Symptoms
More serious reactions to certain foods include swelling of the lips, tongue, and various parts of the mouth. A quickening of the pulse, or a feeling of lightness and dizziness can also result. These might occur together or on their own. In certain cases, the sufferer’s breathing may become laboured, and you might notice that they are wheezing. Congestion of the nose is also usually listed as a symptom of allergic reaction, but this can be difficult to spot as something out of the ordinary.
Getting Help
If the symptoms listed above continue or become more severe, then emergency medical assistance is necessary. In the most severe cases, what is known anaphylaxis or, more commonly, anaphylactic shock takes place. This condition is potentially life threatening and emergency services should be sought if it develops. Unfortunately, it can occur rapidly, and sometimes without the pre-existence of any of the milder symptoms. Anaphylaxis can include the tightening of the airways, making it difficult to breath. Drops in blood pressure, sometimes so quick that collapse or shock is the result, will lead to loss of consciousness. In all of these situations, ordinary home remedies like antihistamines are only of limited use and it’s vitally important to respond quickly.
Further information on allergies and allergic reactions are readily available at your local pharmacist and G.P.’s office.
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John Keane is a full time pharmacist and owner of Keanes Pharmacy. Why not discuss this topic confidentially with John anytime in person at Keanes Pharmacy, Austin Friars or 0449342884 ©Keanes Pharmacy
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