Common Food Allergies of our Children

1. Common Food Allergies of our Children Arielle Study EEC4731 Spring 2011

2. Statistics • Although statistics show that only about 2 percent of children are affected with food allergies, it is still very important for teachers to be aware of the symptoms and signs regarding the health issue.   • The most common food allergens that children face today include: • egg, • milk, • soy, • wheat, • peanut and • tree nuts Teachers need to be aware of their student’s food allergies and inform all the parents that there are students with food allergies, in case of classroom celebrations that include food, after school activities, snacks brought in from home and etcetera.

3. Milk • The first common food allergy in children is milk.  Cow’s milk which is the most common food allergy consists of sugar lactose and proteins that cause some children to be allergic. • If the child is allergic to the proteins that are in the cow’s milk it is also important that the child stays away from these products as well: • soy formula • goats milk • buttermilk • cheese • ice cream • yogurts • margarine • casein cream • sour cream • whey • and other products that may contain milk

4. Egg • The second common food allergy in children is egg. Like cow’s milk, children who are allergic to eggs are allergic to the proteins that are in the egg whites. • In order to avoid egg products the child must stay away from egg substitutes, foods that contain albumin, globulin, and vitellin, ect. • It is also important to say away from foods that may have been prepared with eggs such as these: • French toast • eggnog • bread • ice cream • pastas • cookies • pancakes

5. Soy • The third food allergy that is common in children is the soy allergy . Children who are allergic to soy must stay away from products such as: • soy milk • soy sauce • foods prepared with soybean oil, and • foods that include ingredients labeled as hydrolyzed or textured vegetable protein.

6. Wheat • The fourth common food allergy in children is wheat. Wheat is a hard allergy because so many products contain wheat. The best way to stay away from wheat products is to avoid products such as these: • most breads • cereals • foods that contain cornstarch • gluten • semolina • white flour

7. Peanuts • The fifth common food allergy in children is the peanut allergy. If a child is allergic to peanuts it is very important that the teacher is aware of this, and takes as much caution as possible. • Peanut allergy can often cause life-treating reactions if consumed by the child with the allergy. It is important to stay away from foods that may contain nuts such as: • candies • baked goods • peanut butter • mixed nuts • many ethnic foods  

8. Tree nuts • The last common food allergy in children is the tree nut allergy. Tree nuts include walnuts, pecans, cashews, almonds, and hazel nuts. • Children who are allergic to tree nuts must avoid products that nay include the nuts such as: • candies • many baked goods • some oils

9. Symptoms and signs • The symptoms and signs of the food allergies varies per food, but most include: • itching in the mouth • trouble swallowing and breathing • nausea • vomiting • diarrhea • abdominal pain • In addition to these symptoms, irritations on the skin can occur such as hives, eczema, lightheadedness can occur as well as weakness and anaphylaxis. If a child suffers from any of these symptoms (due to food allergy) it is very important that the child gets the proper medical attention as soon as possible, some foods allergies can be fatal if they are not treated immediately.

10. Symptoms and signs • In addition to these symptoms, irritations on the skin can occur such as: • hives • eczema • lightheadedness • weakness • anaphylaxis. • If a child suffers from any of these symptoms (due to food allergy) it is very important that the child gets the proper medical attention as soon as possible, some foods allergies can be fatal if they are not treated immediately.

11. Important for teachers In order to manage the food allergies and make sure that our students don’t have to be at risk of possible allergic reactions it is important that teachers become aware of each students medical history and make it required that students get tested for food allergies. Often in classrooms parents/ guardians bring in snakes for the class. It is very important that each parent/guardian is given a list of the food that cannot be in the classroom due to students that have an allergy. The best way to avoid the problem is to make sure that everyone is aware of the student or students food allergies, and make  sure those foods never enter the classroom. It is also important to inform the students in the classroom and tell them that this particular food should not be in this classroom because some of us might get sick if we accidently eat it. This way the students also are aware, and can be more cautious with what they bring into the classroom.

12. Works Cited More, Daniel. "Allergies - Food Allergies - Food Allergies in Children." Allergies -- Allergy. The New York Times Company. Web. 27 Jan. 2011. <http://allergies.about.com/od/foodallergies/tp/topfoodallergyc.htm>. President, Keep Kids Healthy, LLC, Vincent Iannelli, M.D.,. "Food Allergies in Children - Keep Kids Healthy." Keep Kids Healthy - Free Pediatric Parenting Advice. Keep Kids Healthy, LLC, 1999 - 2009. Web. 27 Jan. 2011. <http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/welcome/commonproblems/food_allergies.html>.