Allergies

I will never forget the day my son was diagnosed with severe food allergies and multiple food intolerances because that was the day we started looking at food in a whole new way. Initially we were overwhelmed because we didn’t understand what it meant to have severe food allergies and multiple food intolerances. The idea that natural food could harm you just didn’t make sense to us initially. Fortunately we eventually found some great support networks, one of which is Anaphylaxis Australia. We quickly discovered that we weren’t alone and things will be okay if one is prepared and educated about this very real condition.

Since educating ourselves with accurate information we now feel empowered to meet daily challenges head on and to help educate those around us in an attempt to help keep our children safe.

Things I’ve learnt:

• 1 in every 20 children suffer from food allergies
• food allergies affect the body’s immune system
• allergic reactions can include hives, swelling, vomiting, diarrhoea, and respiratory distress
• peanuts are the leading cause of allergic reaction but are not the only one
• tree nuts (walnuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios, pecans, etc.), seafood, egg whites, cow’s milk, sesame and soy are other common food allergies
• some allergies can be life threatening and can cause an anaphylactic reaction
• allergies are “real” and medical attention is needed if exposed to allergens
• there is no cure, just good management
• with greater public awareness and education our lives will be a little easier and our children will be a little safer

Anaphylaxis Australia – www.allergyfacts.org.au