Check out this article from CNN from the mother of a boy with allergies to milk, wheat, peanuts and eggs. Every trip out of the house is a potential minefield, every relative who says “just one bite won’t hurt” is setting her child up for the possibility of death.
This child’s allergies are so severe that they have to ask for peanut-free airplane rides and mom can’t have a glass of milk and kiss her little one without giving him hives. While there’s hope that he can outgrow at least some of his allergies, it’s likely he’ll face segregated seating in the school cafeteria and some ostracism from kids with “normal” diets.
People who don’t deal with food allergies don’t really understand how difficult and life-changing they can be. While the peanut allergy has become more widespread and more people know what they have to do to help kids with this problem, other food allergies haven’t gotten the same press and can still be met with suspicion or confusion.
It’s important for all people with kids — and those who come in contact with kids — to be aware of their potential allergy problems and to do all they can to keep them healthy and safe.
If you or someone in your family has a food allergy, get information and support from the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network.