Asthma Explorers Club is the place to go for kids who like to play, have fun, and learn more about their Asthma. We also have great information for parents too.
My daughter has asthma and is also allergic to tree nuts. I have been told that because she has asthma we should be extra careful in preventing her from eating tree nuts. Of course we are always reading labels and protecting her from accidentally eating nuts but what does having asthma have to do with the food allergy?
The major concern is in patients who have poorly controlled asthma since a reaction to a food allergy could more easily lead to a severe asthma exacerbation along with any other allergic symptoms such as hives. Although controlled asthma in that circumstance could certainly be worsened, even become severe, it is little less likely to do so. This is one among many reasons why parents of children with asthma need to seek to reach the best possible control of their children’s asthma so they are less vulnerable to sudden episodes of worsening when exposed to asthma triggers, be it food, pollen, animal allergens or respiratory infections.
During this holiday season tree nuts will be ever present, so here are some tips.
- Do not allow anyone to give her cookies or other home made sweets, unless you know for certain the ingredients and say it is ok for her to eat them.
- It is often best to prepare cookies and cakes at home yourself or buy treats that you know to be safe and take those with her at parties or when she is eating away from home.
- Make sure she has with her two injections of epinephrine and that whoever is with her understands under what circumstances she would need to use the injection as well as how to use it. The second injection can be given if a reaction does not respond to the first injection (get proper instructions on when and how soon she can be given the second injection from your child’s physician.
Food Allergy
Food allergies happen when your body thinks a food is harmful, and tries to fight it off by releasing chemicals that can cause wheezing, a rash, or worse! Over six million Americans have food allergies; many of them are kids. The most common allergy-causing foods are peanuts, tree nuts (walnuts, pecans), milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, wheat, and soy.
Food Allergy Tips
Have a food allergy management & emergency plan
Carry with you 2 self-injectable epinephrine
Recognize symptoms early and respond quickly
Communicate food allergies when dining out
Check the expiration on your emergency medication
Do not trade food
Read all food labels carefully and continually, because ingredients can change
Food and baked goods made by others may contain trace amounts or hidden allergenic foods
Have a responsible adult in every environment
Take Action
Staying on top of your asthma can be challenging. What works for you? What helpful tips would you suggest to help someone else be at their breathing best?
The Asthma E-Club is not a substitute for consulting with your physician. We can't diagnose or prescribe. We will provide important information on asthma intended to be useful for your family. This may assist you in decisions that can positively affect your life.