Food Allergy Reactions on Valentine's Day

Candy Heart Molds

A recent survey sponsored by Mylan Specialty indicated that as many as one in three parents report their children with life-threatening allergies have experienced anaphylaxis on Valentine’s Day. This scary statistic underlines the importance of talking to kids before this Thursday's holiday.

Pre-School and Elementary-Age Children- Parents should talk to teachers and staff early this week about special events planned to celebrate Valentine's Day. From classroom parties and crafts, to food sent in for school parties, peanuts, tree nuts, chocolate and baked goods may be prominently featured. Remind young children about your food allergy rules (no eating anything unless it's been approved, checking with a safe adult if unsure, etc.) and make sure they are aware that Valentine's Day may mean that things are different at school this Thursday. Consider role-playing as a way to help them feel comfortable dealing with specific situations.

Teens and Young Adults- While classroom parties may be less of an issue at the middle school and high school levels, there are important reminders for this group too. Sometimes friends exchange Valentine treats and it may be tempting for a young person to "try a bit". This age group is particularly susceptible to food allergy emergencies because they want to fit in...they don't want to feel different. Again, talk to them before Thursday about your food allergy rules (no eating anything unless the label has been checked, carrying their medicine at all times, etc.). 

Food allergy reactions have been linked to kissing, so if you haven't had THE CONVERSATION yet, talking to your teen about dating and kissing near Valentine's Day may be appropriate.

Heart-Shaped Cake Pan

A little planning (and talking) early this week will help you and your family enjoy a safe Valentine's Day this Thursday.

Is your child's school still celebrating Valentine's Day with traditional parties and treats?

Food Allergic Should Have Double Dose of Epinepherine Available

So the latest recommendation is that people with food allergies should be carrying two doses of their life-saving epinephrine. This is the conclusion of researchers at Children's Hospital Boston after a six year study. Dr. Rudders headed the study and says, "Until we're able to clearly define the risk factors for the most severe reactions, the safest thing may be to have all children at risk for food-related anaphylaxis carry two doses of epinephrine".

It was also discovered during the course of this research that many emergency rooms are treating food allergy reactions with antihistamines and steroids, rather than epinephrine. Rudders explains that "these findings may be due to lack of a universal understanding of anaphylaxis in the ED (emergency department) before 2006". She goes on to say that she hopes her study will move things forward in this area.

The entire study was written up in the April 2010 journal of Pediatrics.

Food Allergy Reactions

Do you carry more than one dose of epinephrine in the event of an allergic reaction?

A recent study shows certain risk factors associated with the need for more than one dose. One surprise...a history of asthma does not appear to be one of those risk factors.

People requiring more than one dose tend to be younger and tend to present with wheezing, cyanosis (bluish/purplish tinge to the skin), arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), nausea, vomiting and shock. Those who present with hives are less likely to require a second dose.

Check out the full abstract and think about whether more than one dose of epinephrine is right for you or your child.

Dey Introduces New and Improved EpiPens®

The next-generation EpiPen® Auto-Injector is now available. It has some new features such as needle protection before and after use to eliminate accidental needle pricks. I like that. It also has a new color- orange- and a new shape- oval- with easier to read instructions. Sounds good. Check out the full press release.