Food Allergic Reactions: Prevention and Response (13.11)

What is a food allergy?

An abnormal response the body has to certain foods

What causes food allergies?

Antibodies reacting with the food and histamines are released causing the child to experience symptoms of an allergic reaction

Which eight foods commonly cause a reaction?

Milk, Eggs, Wheat, Soy, Tree Nuts, Fish, Shellfish, Peanuts

How long before the symptoms of food allergies will usually appear?

Within minutes

How can an allergic reaction be prevented?

With the help of the parents, a plan to control and prevent a reaction should be collectively composed

If an allergic reaction does happen, what are the proper treatments?

Avoiding the allergen, medications ptions, immunotherapy, as well as llergens given as a shot or placed nder the tongue

Any foods that cause a reaction are called ___.

allergens

In order to avoid contamination and other triggers, what precautions should be taken to avoid a reaction?

Label foods “safe and not safe”, avoid sippy cup mix ups, avoid contaminating the food supply, take precautions when cooking and washing dishes, and clean all counter tops surfaces

Avoiding an allergic reaction is never an easy task, especially when you are working with younger kids, but in order to prevent as many reactions as possible child care providers should take some time to: prepare, plan, and get to know the child’s allergy history.

true

Education and preparation for dealing with a reaction is necessary, but how does a person prepare to handle an allergic reaction in a child care setting?

Ask about allergies, plan with parents, prepare staff members, the environment, and know the states licensing regulations.