Mitigating Food Allergy Symptoms During Seasonal Celebrations

Known for potlucks, family gatherings, and special recipes of all kinds, the holidays are always an opportunity to try new foods for the first time. They can be an amazing culinary experience for kids in particular - especially picky eaters who would otherwise choose a hotdog or mac and cheese dinner every other night of the year.

But as eager to get them off that same-old train as you might be, it's important to remember that having your child interact with new dishes comes with risk. The same element of the unknown that might inspire their next favorite meal could also be the cause of a serious allergic reaction. Unfortunately, it's often the case that parents are unaware of their little one's sensitivity to specific foods until they're introduced to them for the first time. The holidays tend to cause an increased risk of accidental exposure to allergens, as many dishes come pre-made by guests or without a clear list of ingredients.

Recognizing food allergies and reactions

Recognizing food allergies and the different kinds of reactions they can cause is the first step to mitigating the serious outcomes they can have. A few common food allergies to look out for include:

• Milk
• Wheat
• Eggs
• Fish
• Tree nuts

They can evoke a slew of symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, hives, and swelling. If any of these signs are present after a meal they should be addressed immediately – mild reactions can typically be treated with an antihistamine while more severe ones may require hospitalization.

Beyond getting acquainted with food allergy symptoms ahead of time, parents can take some other steps to ensure their children's health and safety during seasonal celebrations. The most impactful is visiting a qualified pediatric healthcare provider for any urgent medical emergencies caused by allergies - we refer out any testing and further medical assistance to partner hospitals.

IM&PC pediatricians further serve as a parent's guide to navigating the unknown come family gatherings. If any sensitivities are discovered, they'll be able to recommend alternative dishes or snacks, and even advise on the use of food substitutes.

Allergen Introduction

Allergen introduction is a worthwhile consideration for those with mild sensitivities to easily identifiable ingredients like nuts and dairy. Such ingredients can be added to meals in small, controlled doses to "train" the immune system and desensitize it over time. Child safety should always be kept in mind when deciding to give this a try and medical advice should be sought before beginning any type of allergen introduction.

In the run-up to this year's holiday season, it's important to consider the health and safety of all family members. Which is why at Internal Medicine & Pediatric Clinic, we remind everyone to take special care to manage allergies through regular check-ups to ensure everyone remains safe and happy, especially during the holiday season.

Pediatric Services by IM&PC New Albany, Mississippi

Serving the communities of Tupelo, Pontotoc, Ripley, and Oxford, our local pediatric healthcare services at Internal Medicine & Pediatric Clinic are New Albany, Mississippi parents' first choice for allergy testing and related family wellness services. Inquire today to learn more about how we can help you provide a safe and allergen-free holiday season for your family.