"Anaphylaxis is a severe and sudden allergic reaction when a person is exposed to an allergen. The most common allergens are eggs, peanuts, tree nuts (e.g. cashews), cow's milk, fish and shellfish, wheat, soy, certain insect stings and medications."
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Customers who bought this product also bought the following products:
|
|
Voting |
|
|
|
|
|
|
There have been no reviews for this product. |
Add your review here |
|
|
|
FEATURE ARTICLE: Living with Anaphylaxis: Handling the Stress
The diagnosis of a severe food allergy brings a significant amount of anxiety,
especially for the parents of an anaphylactic child. The stress level is greatest in the
months following the diagnosis but it can significantly increase when there is a change
in life style, such as the start of school or a move. Sometimes the stress of worrying
about the allergy causes more problems than the food itself, which is usually
successfully avoided.
Over the years I have gathered some information on this subject, some of it
coming from professionals and some from AAIA members, who are a resourceful group of
people. Perhaps you will find it helpful, particularly if you are "new" to the business
of coping with a severe food allergy.
There are four principal sources of stress:
- The potential seriousness of anaphylactic
reactions.
- The inconvenience and changes in lifestyle -- difficulty with shopping, having to
read labels, continuously having to explain the allergy.
- Feeling isolated and feeling that relatives, friends and others do not
understand.
- Letting go -- trusting the child and others to deal with the
allergy.
It is not easy to be relaxed while living with the threat of food-induced
anaphylaxis, since it is potentially life threatening. Peanut allergies are particularly
stressful because tiny trace amounts have caused fatal reactions and because peanut
butter is so widely used by young children. Since it is so sticky, there is always the
worry that it will adhere to toys, clothing, hands, face or cutlery. The start of
kindergarten is usually a very stressful time for parents.
Those who learn to cope well are usually flexible, resourceful, optimistic and
positive. They have legitimate concerns and fears, but they take a pragmatic approach to
problem solving and try to live reasonably happy and contented lives. A positive
outlook is important because the allergic child will adopt and reflect the attitude of
the parents. Constant uncontrolled anxiety will affect both parents and child and
can have a negative impact on family relationships.
The following tips may help to reduce anxiety:
- Get a good diagnosis from a certified allergist. Find out exactly what
foods have to be avoided and know what to do in an emergency - be prepared. Maintain an
ongoing relationship with the same physician, if feasible.
- Join the AAIA and try to join a support group if one exists in your region.
- Keep a supply of "safe" snacks handy, at home and when travelling.
- Concentrate on what you CAN have, not on what you cannot have!
- Do not assume that government, manufacturers or anyone else can totally look after
your needs. Learn to bake at home. Learn how to make substitutions when cooking.
- Shop carefully and educate yourself about manufacturing processes. Learn to
correctly read ingredient labels. Read them every time you buy a product, in case the
ingredients have changed.
- Accept that the allergy will mean some limitations, but that you can have an "almost
normal" lifestyle.
- Put the allergy in perspective. The actual number of food allergy deaths is small.
Some reactions are fatal but prompt emergency treatment saves lives. Most deaths are
preventable.
- Carry your emergency medications always and everywhere. Carry extras
when far from a hospital. Wear an medical bracelet. Get clear emergency
instructions from your allergist.
- Do not obsess on the "what ifs." Decide that if you are careful and prepared things
will probably work out for the best. Food allergies are definitely a challenge, but,
fortunately, most children with food allergy manage very well.
- Try not to make "eating out" the focus of all family activities.
- Reassure your child that he or she can play sports and do almost everything else
that other children do. Plan ahead when social occasions involve food....send snacks
prepared at home, unless you and your child are very confident about what will be
served.
- Inform friends, teachers and family about the allergy in a clear, concise, calm
manner and give them time to absorb the information. Explain implications for
cooking and serving food in detail. Repeat as often as necessary, firmly and cheerfully.
Be very specific about what they can do to help you and tell them that you need their
support. Be patient while you try to make them understand the seriousness of the
condition.
- Make sure that asthma is stabilized and properly treated; out of control
asthma can increase the severity of an anaphylactic reaction.
- Enlist the support of school nurses and other professionals. They will increase your
credibility.
- Have a letter from your physician and make copies for schools and other caregivers.
Give it to relatives as well.
- Schedule meetings with caregivers before the school year begins, to set in place a
management plan for children with life threatening allergies. Most school boards now
have policies which state that schools have a responsibility to help ensure the safety
of the allergic child. If your board or school does not have a written policy, offer to
work on one.
- Learn to recognize, accept and control your anxiety. Have a support system.
Some anxiety is inevitable but it can be minimized. See a professional if necessary, to
learn how to manage anxiety.
- Enlist the support of your spouse and make an effort to give some extra attention to
non-allergic siblings, who may feel left out or unnecessarily restricted by the
allergy.
- Teach your child to be extra responsible in all aspects of life, at an early age. It
is important for his social and emotional development that he not be
overprotected. For his or her own safety, the child needs to take responsibility for the
allergy as soon as possible. Small things like learning to pick up toys and to make
his/her own bed can prepare the child to be assertive and self-reliant when dealing with
the food allergy.
NOTE: This is not intended as a substitute for professional advice.
And when carrying or storing your EpiPen®, AnaPen or TwinJect use an Activeaide EpiPen®
Case which has the best insulation, is easily identified as containing a medical device
and the Activeaide EpiPen® pouches or AnaPen pouches are designed in consultation with
Anaphylaxis specialists and parents of children with Anaphylaxis.
|
