As a parent, you want to be sure that you are doing everything you can to protect their health and well-being. However, there are some things that you simply cannot help. This includes food allergies. If you have a child with a peanut allergy or other food allergy, you may wonder what you can or should do to help keep them as healthy and safe as possible. Get to know some of the steps you can take when your child has a food allergy. Then, you can be sure you are doing everything in your power to care for your child going forward. 

Know Not All Food Allergies Are Severe

Food allergies can vary a great deal in type and severity. Some food allergies send a child into anaphylactic shock while others may simply cause their tongue to itch or can cause hives or a skin rash. It is important to keep in mind that just because your child has a food allergy does not mean that their life is in any kind of danger. Do not panic and do not worry too much. Over-worrying will only stress you out and make your child scared and nervous. 

Inform Teachers and Friends' Parents of the Food Allergy

The next step to take is to spread the word about your child's food allergies. You want to be sure that your child is safe when they are away from your home. As such, you need to let their teachers and school officials know as soon as possible. Your child's food allergies will be noted in their file and the cafeteria staff will know what not to feed your child during lunchtime. The teachers will also know what types of snacks they can provide the classroom when your child is present. 

School is not the only place that you will need to protect your child from potential food allergy exposure. If they go over to a friend's house, the parents also need to be aware of the food allergies and any off-limits foods. Let them know as soon as possible what your child is allergic to in order to avoid any accidental incidents. 

Make Sure Your Child Always Has an Epinephrine Auto-Injector

Finally, no matter how much you prepare yourself, your child, and the people around them, accidental exposure to food allergens can happen. The best immediate treatment for a severe allergic reaction is an epinephrine auto-injector and your child should have one with them at all time. 

This is a small device that will fit into a backpack or purse. It contains medicine that is injected into the thigh in the case of a severe allergic reaction. It will help open up your child's airways if they are compromised and prevent severe symptoms from developing, giving your child time to get the medical attention they need. 

Now that you know some of the steps to take when your child has a food allergy, you can be sure you are doing what is best for your child going forward. To learn more, visit a website like http://www.oakbrookallergists.com.