Food Allergy Education is Critical

WRITER Jessica O. Wall, MPH Director, Yadkin County Human Services Agency Medical Clinic and Wic jwall@yadkincountync.gov 336.849.7588

When making some rounds through my social media sites, a reel on Instagram caught my attention. After watching a post about a young boy that lost his life, I went looking for more information. It turns out I was seeing a post about Oakley Debbs. The post was by the private, non-profit Red Sneakers for Oakley (RSFO). According to the organization’s website, “Oakley suffered from both asthma and — what his doctors called — a “mild” allergy to peanuts and tree nuts”. Unfortunately, Oakley “ate some cake that unknowingly contained either nut extract or nuts — and ultimately suffered a fatal anaphylactic reaction.” The family took the steps they thought were best for their child, with what they knew about their child. In the end, the family started RSFO because they felt that if they had been more educated and aware, they may have acted differently to Oakley’s reaction and he may have survived.

Hearing this story and reading about this child and his family got me thinking. Thinking about my own children, who at this point, have no known allergies. But what if one of my children did have a reaction to an allergen? And they started to exhibit symptoms of this? Would I know enough to be able to recognize it for what it is and take the right actions quickly enough? This is the inspiration for this article. To bring food allergies to our attention so we all have, at least, a baseline amount of information. So, we can be better equipped to help those in our lives if, or when, the times comes.

HealthyChildren.org, a platform from The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), has a page dedicated to information on anaphylaxis in infants and children. The AAP defines anaphylaxis as a rapid and severe allergic reaction. And a life-threatening emergency. Something that can make it difficult to recognize anaphylaxis and administer treatment early is the signs and symptoms can vary and they may present within a few minutes or may take several hours. The AAP goes on to specifically share to be aware of any of the following symptoms, especially if they appear suddenly:

• shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing or tightness in chest

• trouble breathing or swallowing

• skin changes like rash, redness or hives, and/or pale or bluish color

• swelling of the lips or tongue

• sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose

• tight throat, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness

• weak pulse, symptoms of shock

• vomiting, diarrhea (if severe or combined with other symptoms)

• dizziness or fainting

• feeling of "doom," confusion, drowsiness or agitation

Infants may also experience other symptoms such as:

• irritability, fussiness, or inconsolable crying

• sudden drooling

• unusual sleepiness continues on page 64

Epinephrine is the recommended emergency treatment for symptoms of anaphylaxis. The Cleveland Clinic states that an epinephrine injection is a medication that treats severe allergic reactions or sudden asthma attacks. It works by reducing the effects of an allergic reaction. If it is available, epinephrine should be given immediately to anyone experiencing symptoms of anaphylaxis, followed by a call to 911, and a trip to the emergency department. Epinephrine autoinjectors should be prescribed for anyone who has ever had an anaphylactic attack and for infants and children at high risk for anaphylaxis, especially those children with known food or other allergies that can cause anaphylaxis.

Common food allergens that can cause anaphylaxis include peanuts, milk, eggs, tree nuts, shellfish, fish. But there are also non-food allergens to be aware of, such as: bees, wasps, yellowjackets, hornets, fire ants and some medications like antibiotics or antiseizure medications. Anyone caring for a child needs to know if there are ANY allergies, how to recognize a reaction and know the steps for care and treatment.

A family with a child with allergies should have an “Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan” (visit healthychildren.org to locate the form).