Allergic Reactions : What Every Mom Needs to Know

Growing up in a family with little to few allergies, I never really put much thought on how scary, dangerous, and (sometimes) life-threatening allergic reactions could be. The most experience I had with allergies before was just getting an irritating rash or some mild inflammation at one time or another so it was a very big eye opener for me when I married a man with a history of a lot of allergies and had kids. All of a sudden, the reality of how bad the allergic reactions could be and how unprepared and uneducated I was about the condition hit me and I had to learn through experience and a lot of research what every mom needs to know about allergic reactions.

An allergic reaction happens when the body recognizes a substance or allergen as an “invader” and attempts to protect itself from it.  An allergen can be just about anything - food, medicines, dust and pollutants, plants or anything in the environment. Allergic reactions can be very minor and localized or it can be a real medical emergency with many symptoms.

Symptoms may be one or more of these mentioned, among other less common symptoms:

• Swelling, itching or skin disturbances at the site or all over the body.  
• Itchy watery eyes and stuffy runny nose, as well as sneezing may be experienced  
• Wheezing, cough, tightness or shortness of breath may occur
• Swelling of the face around the eyes and lips, sore throat
• Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

Here are some basic information and tips to remember when your kid gets an allergic reaction:

Be in the know

• Being well aware of both you and your partner’s family history when it comes to allergies gives you the upper hand in anticipating what allergens may affect your child. Discuss these allergies with your kid’s pediatrician so she can take this into account as she cares for your kid.  
• Find out what you as a mom can do to help prevent the tendency for allergies from manifesting in your kid. Breastfeeding is one of the things that can help with this.
• Be aware of what is and isn’t the norm in how your kid behaves. If your kid is able, try to have him describe what he is feeling as well. This is good practice for both you and your kid so that you can better assess his symptoms, and he knows how to communicate how he feels if in case you are not with him when an allergic reaction arises.  Any unusual changes or possible minor allergic reactions should be discussed with your pediatrician.

In the past, parents were advised to steer clear of possible foods and substances that have a high incidence of allergic reactions.  These days though, parents are advised that exposing their children little by little to possible allergens is better than avoiding them altogether in the long run if the allergic reactions are few and minor.

• Have a good relationship with your pediatrician and keep her number handy in case of emergencies.  Find out what you should have in your medicine cabinet at all times and what first level treatment you can give should any minor allergic reactions arise.

For families with a high likelihood for allergies, keeping a bottle or two of antihistamines at home is a good idea.  I, for one, keep antihistamines in liquid form so that I can use it for both my kids and my husband if the need arises.

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When allergic reactions arise…

• Don’t panic. Based on experience, it is hard to give detailed information when you are worried and panicking in the ER. Keep tabs of what symptoms your child is manifesting.  Jot them down in detail and make a list of what your kid has eaten or has been exposed to that is out of the norm. Take note of how quick the symptoms progress and how your kid is taking them. This is to make sure that you can give accurate information just in case emergency medical attention is required.
• Call your pediatrician and tell her the important details, especially if there is more than just one symptom present. Convey what the symptoms are, how fast they are progressing and what you think may have caused it. Depending on the severity, your pediatrician will direct you on what to do.
• Head for the ER as soon as possible if your child experiences any life-threatening symptoms. Usually, swelling of the face - eyes, mouth, neck; excessive vomiting, coughing or difficulty breathing are red flags that signify your kid needs immediate medical attention. Keep your pediatrician in the loop so she can help you in making sure your child has the best care when you get to the hospital.

Allergic reactions can be very scary for moms because they can be life threatening. Especially for moms that have little or no past experience of allergies and how bad they can get, it is important to get smart fast for your kid’s sake!  In my own personal experience with my two kids and husband, I’ve had to experience and go through reactions ranging from just annoying rashes to having to rush my son to the hospital and be admitted for a day!  It is a scary thing but knowing what to do really makes a difference.

Do you know what your child is allergic to? Click here to find out what the 10 most common allergens are.

Photo from sxc.hu