tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76209411254402767452024-02-20T11:52:05.947-08:00Food Allergies and Asthma in ChildrenWalk in the shoes of a child with severe food allergies and asthma.Food Allergies and Asthma in Childrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040609614517882605noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7620941125440276745.post-29218685888454939162009-10-06T02:22:00.000-07:002009-10-06T03:30:25.522-07:00Oral Allergy Syndrome<div>Fall is such a great time of year. It is so fun to see the leaves change colors and enjoy the smells of the season like the traditional hot apple cider. And who doesn't love a warm cup of hot cider in your hands with a splash of cinnamon, right? </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I was in the mood for some yummy cider and wanted to make some for my girls and I. So I picked some up at the grocery store to celebrate this wonderful season. </div><div><br /></div><div>My oldest daughter said she didn't ever remember having apple cider. And when I gave some to her, she said her mouth tasted "yukky." This is her way of saying she is having an allergic reaction. When she tells me her mouth tastes "yukky" I act very quickly. She knows her body and she knows when she is having a reaction.</div><div><br /></div><div>She didn't seem to be wheezing but said she didn't feel well. I gave her benadryl and then started retracing the foods she had just eaten. The only new food we had was apple cider. She has had apples in the past. I couldn't figure it out. Why was she having a reaction to apple cider?</div><div><br /></div><div>The following morning she was still complaining that she didn't feel well and now she felt like her throat hurt. Now I was thinking we should head to the Yale Emergency Room. This was a mystery to me. Her reaction carried over to the next day. This had never happened before. </div><div><br /></div><div>We went to the emergency room and the doctor asked me if I had ever heard of oral allergy syndrome. I had never heard of this condition. </div><div><br /></div><div>Oral allergy syndrome is when pollen falls on fresh fruits and vegetables. This pollen on the fruits or vegetables can cause an allergic reaction to that food. It doesn't usually occur with cooked foods such as applesauce or apple pie for example. </div><div><br /></div><div>They monitored my daughter and after she was feeling better sent her home. </div><div><br /></div><div>The next day we went to see her allergist who tested her for birch. The birch tree is the tree apples are grown on. We wanted to make sure my daughter wasn't allergic to the birch pollen. </div><div><br /></div><div>Her tests for birch came back <i>positive</i>. The pollen that fell on the apples in the apple cider she had tasted created an allergic reaction. Needless to say, we are staying away from fresh apples now and apple cider. We are going to add apples to our list of allergy causing foods.</div><div><br /></div><div>I will be making some soy milk hot chocolate this fall season. Oh and roast marshmellows over a fire. What child or adult doesn't love getty gooey with marshmellows? This should make up for leaving the apple cider out of our menu for my daughter. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am so proud of her. It is not easy to have to give up so many things. She is already allergic to milk, eggs, peanuts, sesame, mustard, dust, mold, cats, and now birch pollen. </div><div><br /></div><div>It is truly amazing to me how the body responds to certain things and in my daughter's case her body reacted to the pollen of the birch tree! Here is a link to more information about oral allergy syndrome for you to check out http://allergies.about.com/od/foodallergies/a/oas.htm</div><div><br /></div><div>I was a bit perplexed when I was at the Yale Hospital because, the doctor had suggested that the oral allergy syndrome condition is not as severe as a normal ingestion of food type of reaction. But, the information I read seems to indicate that it can develop into a full blown anaphylactic reaction. And I will treat my daughter with the same methods as any other food allergy reaction. </div><div><br /></div><div>A reaction is a reaction no matter what the cause. And I am not going to try to figure out whether it was an oral allergy syndrome type of reaction or an ingestion reaction. </div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy this beautiful fall season. I know we will be playing in the leaves, carving out pumpkins and having a ball with or without apple cider. I will make sure of that. </div><div><br /></div><div>Stay well, stay safe and be brave. </div><div><br /></div><div>Debra Denhart </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Food Allergies and Asthma in Childrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040609614517882605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7620941125440276745.post-20727711210608772622009-10-04T08:22:00.000-07:002009-10-04T09:41:45.794-07:00Watch Your Words<div>Should we be more cautious in what we are verbalizing in front of our children? I definitely think so.</div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe I am the minority here, but I find myself verbalizing things in front of my children that should never have left my lips. Do you ever say something and then wish you could turn back time and have a chance for a "do over?"</div><div><br /></div><div>Comments such as, "I really dont' want to test that food on you today because, I just cannot deal with that stress right now," is a perfect example of what not to say. </div><div><br /></div><div>My daughter has enough to think about on a daily basis in dealing with her food allergies. And she does not need any other comments which could add to her already high stress level. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have been really trying to be more careful in what I am saying to her. Since I have been watching my words, I have noticed she seems more confident and at peace. As parents we really do set the tone for our family. If we demonstrate confidence, our children will see that and follow suit. In the same way, they will become stressed out if we are always flustered and stressed. </div><div><br /></div><div>Children with food allergies have so many emotions going on inside of them. They are constantly on guard when it comes to the preparation of food and ingredients in foods. We can't even imagine how it must feel to live in that fear everyday. </div><div><br /></div><div>And as a parent of a child with food allergies, we are also living in a state of caution and fear for them. Our lives are constantly on guard in our own preparation of foods and reading the labels of products. </div><div><br /></div><div>I cannot control everything around me however, I can try to create an environment in my own home that is confident and peaceful. I can also keep comments about being stressed out over something to myself. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope this encourages you to watch your words with your children everyday. </div><div><br /></div><div>So let's be the parents and let our children...be the children. </div><div><br /></div><div>Stay well, stay safe and...be brave. </div><div><br /></div><div>Debra Denhart </div>Food Allergies and Asthma in Childrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040609614517882605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7620941125440276745.post-61219568787958238132009-10-03T07:20:00.000-07:002009-10-03T07:38:21.179-07:00Should You Avoid Beef with a Milk Allergy?I have read some information recently that indicates if you have a milk allergy, you could be allergic to beef as well. <div><br /></div><div>My daughter has a severe milk allergy. In her last blood test ordererd by her allergist, it did show a reaction to beef. <div><br /></div><div>Her allergist stated that not everyone who has a milk allergy can be allergic to beef, but in our case my daughter had an allergy to beef. </div><div><br /></div><div>The best thing to do is to get tested for the beef allergy by your allergist. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have started using ground turkey for meals we used to use beef in and they are great. Turkey burgers actually taste pretty good. In fact, I am going to try the ground turkey in a chili recipe and I will let you know how it comes out. </div><div><br /></div><div>Stay well, stay safe and be brave.</div><div><br /></div><div>Debra Denhart </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Food Allergies and Asthma in Childrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040609614517882605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7620941125440276745.post-67836989659360450202009-10-02T14:48:00.001-07:002009-10-02T21:26:46.102-07:00Enjoy a Safe Chocolate CakeIt can be frustrating for a child with a milk allergy to not be able to partake in cakes at birthday parties. When I first found out my daughter had allergies to milk, eggs, peanuts, sesame and mustard it was close to her 1st birthday. And I thought, what am I going to make for a cake if I can't use eggs? <div><div><br /><div>I was determined to make a great cake for her very first birthday. On this mission to find the best cake recipe that was milk, egg, and peanut free, I was a little frustrated because none of them came out that great. For her very first birthday cake, I made a Busy Day Cake which was pretty good for a vanilla cake. The Busy Day cake became the only cake I made all of the time. </div><div><br /></div><div>And although it was a great cake, I really wanted to find a tasty chocolate cake recipe. </div><div><br /></div><div> Fortunatley, after trying various cake recipes I have found a great chocolate cake recipe I just had to share with you. The recipe is on the back of the Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa container. </div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you enjoy it as much as we do. </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Hershey's "Especially Dark" Chocolate Cake</span></div><div><div><div>2 c. sugar </div><div>1 3/4 c. all-purpose flour</div><div>3/4 c. Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa</div><div>1 1/2 tsp. baking powder</div><div>1 1/2 tsp. baking soda</div><div>1 tsp. salt</div><div>2 <i>eggs substitute below</i></div><div>( 3 tbsp. oil, 3 tbsp. water and 2 tsp. baking powder stirred together)=2 eggs </div><div>1 c. soy milk</div><div>1/2 c. vegetable oil</div><div>2 tsp. vanilla extract</div><div>1 c. boiling water</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round baking pans. 2. Stir together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Add <i>egg substitute</i> for 2 eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; beat on medium speed of mixer 2 minutes. Stir in boiling water (batter will be thin). Pour batter into prepared pans. 3. Bake 30-35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely. Frost with "Especially dark Chocolate Frosting." 10-12 servings.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Especially Dark Chocolate Frosting</b></div><div>1/2 c. of milk free butter ( I use <b>Smart Balance "Light"</b>) </div><div><i>Note: Smart Balance Original contains whey or milk</i></div><div>2/3 c. Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa</div><div>3 c. powdered sugar</div><div>1/3 c. soy milk</div><div>1 tsp. vanilla extract</div><div><br /></div><div>Melt butter. Stir in cocoa. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating to spreading consistency. Add small amount of additional milk, if needed. Stir in vanilla. About 2 c. of frosting. </div><div><br /></div><div>Stay well, stay safe and be brave.</div><div><br /></div><div>Debra Denhart </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div></div></div></div></div>Food Allergies and Asthma in Childrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040609614517882605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7620941125440276745.post-70965869920910003922009-10-01T05:53:00.000-07:002009-10-01T06:05:26.454-07:00From the Lips of a ChildI asked my daughter to tell me what she would like people to know about food allergies. To this she responded, "I want them to know how dangerous it is." <div><br /></div><div>Wow, I have to say that comment blew me away a bit. I had to remind myself that I was talking to an eight year old. She has experienced the challenges of dealing with her severe food allergies to milk, eggs, peanuts, sesame and mustard since she was only ten months old. </div><div><br /></div><div>She has had to go to the emergency room, use the epi-pen and felt her throat start to close on more than one occasion, unfortunately. </div><div><br /></div><div>So this is my message for you today from the lips of a child. "I want you to know how dangerous it is." </div><div><br /></div><div>Pass this message on and help us educate the public on food allergies. </div><div><br /></div><div>Stay well, stay safe and most of all... be brave. </div><div><br /></div><div>Debra Denhart </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Food Allergies and Asthma in Childrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040609614517882605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7620941125440276745.post-1455406697207363652009-09-30T06:21:00.000-07:002009-09-30T06:58:37.428-07:00Hand Washing Saves LivesYou are probably thinking, what kind of a title is that? Handwashing saves lives? I know it sounds a little crazy, but it is very true. <div><br /></div><div>One of the most important things you can do to help prevent a child with severe food allergies from having an allerigic reaction, is to wash your hands. </div><div><br /></div><div>However, there are many soaps out on the market now that contain milk ingredients. So it is very important to read the labels on soap to make sure they do not contain an ingredient which could be harmful to your child.</div><div><br /></div><div>Many people will say to me, well we use hand sanitizer. I think hand sanitizer is great, but, in the case of a child with food allergies it does not help. The hand sanitizer just <i>moves</i> the unsafe foods that person has touched around their hands. But, the food is still there. </div><div><br /></div><div>For example, if I ate a peanut butter sandwich and then used hand sanitizer, I have moved the peanut butter around my hand. It is still on my hands. </div><div><br /></div><div>The best thing to do is to wash your hands with soap and water and then use hand sanitizer if you like. </div><div><br /></div><div>When we don't have access to soap and running water, we use hand sanitizing wipes after going to the store or on bike rides. Hand wipes are wonderful and I take my hat off to the person who thought of this idea. I know it helps me to keep my daughter safe when we are on the go and want to eat a snack on the run. </div><div><br /></div><div>Of course we have all learned that before eating anything you should wash or wipe your hands. But, especially in the case of a child with food allergies. Who knows what another child may have eaten or touched while walking around a store. </div><div><br /></div><div>I also encourage our friends and family to not only wash their hands but, to also wash their mouths and even brush their teeth if they can. This is an extra precaution for friends or family members who may be hugging or kissing your child.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the world of food allergies, you can never be "too" safe. And I am sure many parents would agree with me on this statement. </div><div><br /></div><div>So rememeber to always wash your hands, it could save a child's life. </div><div><br /></div><div>Stay well and stay safe. </div><div><br /></div><div>Debra Denhart </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Food Allergies and Asthma in Childrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040609614517882605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7620941125440276745.post-33974436972679851842009-09-29T03:51:00.000-07:002009-09-29T05:40:44.269-07:00Constant FearRecently my daughter with severe food allergies to milk, eggs, peanuts, sesame, mustard, cats, dust and mold has expressed her emotions about her condition. She said she just needed a "break" from the stress of worrying all of the time. And she was angry that she can't have all of the other foods her friends have. <div><br /></div><div>She also said, "I'm so tired of having to be careful all of the time and I'm tired of going to the hospital." </div><div><br /></div><div>There is alot of emotional stress on a child with food allergies. I have read that some children can suffer from post traumatic stress disorder. This is very understandable when you consider the fear a child with food allergies deals with everyday. </div><div><br /></div><div>An incident in school which occurred recently didn't help my daughters stress level unfortunately. After lunch, a girl from her class licked her whole hand and proceeded to push it towards my daughter and said, "I have the power." </div><div><br /></div><div>My daughter was leaning against a wall and proceeded to just slide down the wall in fear. She knew the girl had hands pushed towards her that could really hurt her. This really had an impact on my daughter. </div><div><br /></div><div>Some children have no understanding of what they are doing. I will be addressing this incident with the teacher and the principal. </div><div><br /></div><div>How would you feel if you were in constant fear everytime you turned around because you knew there could be that one thing that could literally kill you? </div><div><br /></div><div>She also expressed her sad memories of sitting alone in kindergarten and 1st grade. Food allergies can be very isolating for children. There should be more safe interaction in these grades so children don't feel so different and alone. </div><div><br /></div><div>These isolating circumstances a child experiences can be very traumatic for children at any age. And trust me, those memories stay with them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Please educate your children on the seriousness of food allergies. Maybe they won't be the child that licks their whole hand in jest and shoves it in someones face. Some children and even adults have no real understanding of how life threatening and emotionally stressful food allergies are. </div><div><br /></div><div>It is not a joke! More people need to take action and educate their children to think about how it would feel to walk in one of these children's shoes for just one day. </div><div><br /></div><div>It takes alot of courage to face their fears everday and I am so proud of my daughter for being brave today as she heads off to school. I know it was a tough day to face her fears, but she did it. </div><div><br /></div><div>We just take one day at a time and so can you. </div><div><br /></div><div>Stay well, stay safe and be brave! </div><div><br /></div><div>Debra Denhart </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Food Allergies and Asthma in Childrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040609614517882605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7620941125440276745.post-20000593911428162342009-09-27T16:54:00.001-07:002009-09-28T06:22:34.306-07:00Don't Always Trust the Ingredients on Labels<div>When I go grocery shopping for my family, I always read and reread the ingredients on the packaging. Fortunately many companies now list all of the ingredients contained in their foods, as well as what other foods are made on the same equipment. You can find additional information under the ingredients labeled as Allergy Warning. </div><div><br /></div><div>This is very important to look for on any products. Cross-contamination is a very serious issue when it comes to food allergies. This occurs when any foods could be contaminated with an allergy causing food. </div><div><br /></div><div>For example, we avoid deli meat because they also slice cheese on the same machines. And my daughter is severly allergic to milk. This would be considered cross-contamination. </div><div><br /></div><div>Many companies are making strides in listing the ingredients but there are still some things that could be improved on labeling.</div><div><br /></div><div>My daughter had a severe allergic reaction to a taffy we purchased at a local gas station. I carefully read the ingredients on the package before allowing her to eat the taffy and they appeared to be fine. </div><div><br /></div><div>Within minutes of eating the taffy, my daughter said she had a "yukky" taste in her mouth and her throat was starting to hurt. Carlese also said she felt like there was milk in the taffy. I was amazed she actually knew what type of reaction it was. She was having an anaphylactic reaction.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fortunately we lived within minutes of the gas station. As soon as we got home I gave her an epi-pen and called 911. They arrived within minutes. We headed to the hospital where she was closely monitored for about 2 hours before going home. </div><div><br /></div><div>The only way to explain the reaction to the taffy with "safe" ingredients listed must have been some cross-contamination issues. It was a very generic brand of taffy. </div><div><br /></div><div>In the future, I have decided we will not try any new foods unless we are at home. And I will be diligent in calling the company of any unfamiliar brands of food to determine whether or not other foods are processed on the same equipment such as milk or nut products. </div><div><br /></div><div>Again, you cannot always trust the ingredients listed on packaging. So please always call the company to make sure there are no cross-contamination issues. </div><div><br /></div><div>Stay well.</div><div><br /></div><div>Debra Denhart </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Food Allergies and Asthma in Childrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040609614517882605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7620941125440276745.post-9008643630828511692009-09-24T06:57:00.000-07:002009-09-24T07:13:16.934-07:00You're on 24/7.As the parent of a child with food allergies, you don't ever take a break. Every event your child attends means you become an investigator and police officer. You talk to the organizers to find out what foods will be served. You even go to the organizer to bring foods home for your child to test so they can partake in some of the same foods. <div><br /></div><div>If they can't have the same foods as the other children, then just bring their own safe foods. They will be okay with that. My daughter feels a little special sometimes because she ends up with food the other kids "wish" they had. That always makes me feel good about her having something different.<br /><div><br /></div><div>But when it comes to events and foods, there is always the testing, the questioning and most of all... patience. It takes alot of time and preparation to attend any event. Even walking out the door to run some errands takes planning. </div><div><br /></div><div>I always take food with me in case my daughter, now almost nine, gets hungry. Which it does seem like she is hungry all of the time lately. </div><div><br /></div><div>We can't take chances when we are out and about that we will be able to find "safe foods." </div><div><br /></div><div>At times it can be a little tiring and you feel like you are overly cautious. But, when you are dealing with food allergies. You cannot be too cautious. </div><div><br /></div><div>It is important to allow your child to be apart of special events so they don't feel isolated. I have found that with alot of communication and my own investigative work, you can attend parties safely. </div><div><br /></div><div>But don't be afraid to be cautious. It could save your child's life.</div><div><br /></div><div>Take one day at a time and know that you are not alone in your efforts. There are other parents out there doing the very same thing. There are many daily battles we face, but we can get through them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Stay well and stay safe.</div><div><br /></div><div>Debra Denhart </div></div>Food Allergies and Asthma in Childrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040609614517882605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7620941125440276745.post-86592790807988469512009-09-22T21:38:00.000-07:002009-09-23T09:52:33.251-07:00You Can Do It!When I first meet people and tell them about my daughters allergies to milk, eggs, peanuts, sesame, cats, dogs, mold, dust, maple trees and kentucky bluegrass, they will usually have a sorrowful response. They will begin by saying, "Wow, that must be really hard!" <div><br /></div><div>Following the initial response, they then ask the question, "So, what does she eat?" </div><div><br /></div><div>If you were to meet my daughter, you would not say she is starving by any means. On a side note, she is a very outgoing and bubbly child who loves many hobbies. Her first love is writing songs, learning to play the drums and she enjoys eating great food. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have to admit that I was not a person that baked very much eight years ago. If you have ever had a friend who seemed to ruin every dish they were assigned to bring to a party, I was that friend. I have even ruined the famous Robert Redford cake which has layers of whipped cream, pudding and tons of chocalate. I ended up with Robert Redford soup cake. </div><div><br /></div><div>Instead of instant pudding, I used the "cooked" pudding in the cake. And even twenty four hours was not enough time to fix that cake. Oops. </div><div><br /></div><div>Needless to say, my dessert assignment ended up in me bringing two bags of Reeces cups to the party. It seemed like the most horrible thing at the time, but I can assure you it wasn't. Everyone survived and life went on anyway.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have so many funny failed recipes, I could write a book. So trust me when I say that I was not a baker when my daughter was just 10 months old. But you find the courage to do whatever it is you need to do when it comes to the safety of your children, don't you? In my daughter's case, it meant life or death. Because her food allergies were life threatening. </div><div><br /></div><div>When Carlese was first diagnosed with food allergies, her allergist in Denver recommended a great website to check out. I cannot begin to tell you how invaluable it was to me. It helped give me the knowledge and support I needed. </div><div><br /></div><div>Knowledge truly is power. The more you read and understand about food allergies, the stronger you will be.</div><div><br /></div><div>The website I was directed to was the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) which you can find at faanallergy.org. They will email alerts about foods that have been pulled off of the market due to traces of nuts, cross-contamination issues and more. </div><div><br /></div><div>You can also find some great recipes on the FAAN site. I have really enjoyed trying these recipes in the past eight years. After taking the initial baby steps in cooking safe foods for my daughter, I have since graduated to making the most delicious cheese cake which is now requested at family events. </div><div><br /></div><div>Believe it or not you can make a milk, egg and peanut free cheesecake that is out of this world yummy! </div><div><br /></div><div><div>Getting connected with local food allergy support groups in your area is a great way to stay connected as well. It may take a little research to locate these, but it's worth it. You can start by calling some of your local hospitals for information. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Trust me, I have come a long way. And so can you. Just start off with baby steps and small recipes. Pretty soon you will be venturing off on your own like I did and your confidence will build. </div><div><br /></div><div>Don't forget to check out the FAAN website for more information. </div><div><br /></div><div>Stay well and trust me...YOU CAN DO IT! </div><div><br /></div><div>Debra Denhart</div><div><br /></div>Food Allergies and Asthma in Childrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040609614517882605noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7620941125440276745.post-69948647232685736102009-09-20T18:38:00.001-07:002009-09-21T03:28:56.171-07:00How Do You Know If Your Child Has Food Allergies?<div>There are various types of food allergy reactions.</div><div><br /></div><div>When my daughter was born, I was breastfeeding and the nurses wanted to give her similac formula in the hospital. They didn't feel like she was getting enough from the nursing at the time. I reluctantly gave her some formula and she started to throw up within minutes of taking the formula. <div><br /></div><div>I called the nurse and she said it was probably due to her getting some amniotic fluid in her lungs. But, I never gave her formula again. I only gave her breastmilk from that day on. </div><div><br /></div><div>As she grew older it was time to introduce baby food into her diet. But, I would notice a rash around her mouth with certain foods that had milk in them. I was a new mom and really didn't have alot of knowledge of food allergies at the time. So I mentioned it to her pediatrician. She said some kids might be a little sensitive to milk. She didn't seem very concerned, so I continued to experiment with various foods. </div><div><br /></div><div>When she was 10 months old she grabbed some scrambled eggs off of my plate and started eating it. After just one bite she began to projectile vomit, wheeze, flail her arms, and started turning cyanotic or blue. Her father was holding her and said he didn't think anything was wrong. </div><div><br /></div><div>I knew something was seriously wrong and called 911. They came within minutes and put her in the ambulance, started giving her oxygen and hooked her up to an IV with epinephrine in it. This all took place immediately once they got her into the ambulance. </div><div><br /></div><div>I remember sitting in the ambulance seeing her struggling to breathe. I cannot tell you how scarey that was to see your child suffering like that. All I could think of was, please don't die, please don't die. And I just prayed that God would save her life. </div><div><br /></div><div>Once they stabilized her in the ambulance, we went to the Denver Children's Hospital Emergency Room where they monitored her for about 3 hours. After the 3 hours of close observation she was finally stable enough to go home. </div><div><br /></div><div>I called my pediatrician the next morning and she said we needed to see an allergy specialist to see if she had any food allergies. Why couldn't she have thought of that before when I mentioned the rashes my daugther would get around her mouth? That was very frustrating for me as a new mother. </div><div><br /></div><div>We went to an allergy and asthma specialist and he did bloodwork and skin tests to determine what foods she was allergic to. And sure enough she was extremely allergic to milk, eggs, peanuts, sesame and mold. Two years after the initial tests she also developed an allergy to mustard. Which I am told is a very common allergy. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have since learned that gastrointestinal issues can be a sign of a food allergy as well. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you suspect that your child may have a food allergy, you should have them seen by a specialist. Only then can all of the proper tests be done to determine whether or not food alleries are an issue. </div><div><br /></div><div>Don't wait for your pediatrician to tell you that you should. It can't hurt them to be tested. But it could hurt them if they are <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">not</span> tested and they end up having an anaphylactic reaction. </div><div><br /></div><div>Debra Denhart </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 11px; white-space: nowrap; font-family:'Trebuchet MS';font-size:14px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" border="0" style="margin-left: 0.5em; "><tbody><tr><td class="navbar-right" align="right" nowrap="" style="vertical-align: middle; "><span id="b-user">debradenhart07@gmail.com</span></td></tr></tbody></table></span><div> </div></div>Food Allergies and Asthma in Childrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040609614517882605noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7620941125440276745.post-36497644608149665882009-09-19T19:08:00.000-07:002009-09-20T14:37:54.675-07:00Does Chiropractic Care Really Help Asthma?Absolutely! When a co-worker first told me her chiropractor had helped children with asthma, I was a little skeptical. I had never gone to a chiropractor before. There just seemed to be so much negative information out there about chiropractic care. But, at the time both of my daughters were really struggling with their asthma. I was desperate and willing to give it a try to see if going to a chiropractor might help. <div><br /></div><div>When we started going to see Dr. Colleen Pace and Dr. Michael Pace in their practice in Hamden, Connecticut my girls were pretty young. Carlese, my oldest daughter was 6 years old. And my youngest daughter Mia was only 4. We started seeing them twice a week for 6 months. Then went weekly, then monthly. </div><div><br /></div><div>This was a huge committment, but honestly I was willing to make it. At one appointment my daughter Carlese went in to get adjusted and she said she needed her inhaler. And Dr. Colleen said, "Let me adjust you first." Well, after she was adjusted, Carlese said she didn't need her inhaler! Can I just say that I was a bit shocked. That was just amazing to me. </div><div><br /></div><div>We have also done peak flows before and after adjustments. And their peak flows have improved when the adjustments were made. </div><div><br /></div><div>Dr. Colleen was so great with my girls. She explained to them on our very first appointment what she was going to do and that they would hear some popcorn sounds. And sure enough they did. Mia, who is 6 now can very fluently explain to anyone how your spine gets misaligned and when it <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">is</span> "lined up" you feel so good. How cute is that? </div><div><br /></div><div>I also remember when Mia first went in for her adjustment, she had been crying at night because her legs hurt so bad. I thought she was just having growing pains but she was really misaligned from all of the jumping she had been doing. And we all know how much kids love to jump. </div><div><br /></div><div>Just today my girls had an appointment with Dr. Colleen and it was great. They both had been sick last week and I knew getting adjusted would help their immune system function better. Sure enough they both had alot of "popcorn" sounds. They were both really misaligned. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am trying to find as many natural alternatives as I can to help them stay healthier this winter and all year long. And I am making a committment to go every week with my girls so we can get adjusted. I believe the benefits will far outweigh the costs. </div><div><br /></div><div>So as soon as we get a cold or have any asthma issues, I make sure we go in to get adjusted. Carlese will even say things like, " Mom, I really need to get adusted my neck is really hurting lately." </div><div><br /></div><div>If you have children with asthma or just want to find alternative treatments to stay well this fall or anytime of the year, find a great chiropractor in your area. I can't say enough how chiropractic care has helped our family to stay well or get over illnesses so much faster. </div><div><br /></div><div>I would talk to some of your friends for referrals of chiropractors they would recommend. If you would like more information about chiropractic care for children you can go to www.icpa4kids.org. This is packed with some really good information. So definitely check it out. </div><div><br /></div><div>Stay well and don't forget to check out some chiropractors in your area. You will be so happy you did. </div><div><br /></div><div>Debra Denhart </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Food Allergies and Asthma in Childrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040609614517882605noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7620941125440276745.post-19803648279473630032009-09-18T20:23:00.000-07:002009-09-18T21:15:32.849-07:00Do I Have Extreme Precautions?I am the mother of a child with severe food allergies to milk, eggs, peanuts, mustard and sesame. Unless you have a child with life-threatening food allergies, it is really hard to understand the fear that can develop trying to avoid anything that might contain these ingredients. <div><br /></div><div>My daughter, Carlese, who is now 8 years old was born with severe food allergies. </div><div><br /></div><div>Many people ask me how we found out about her allergies. I don't know if they are just being polite or do they really want to know. I guess most people want to know. But there are those skeptics who think that you are going overboard in the extreme caution of your child. </div><div><br /></div><div>Reading every ingredient and washing their hands and yours constantly before touching any foods they might eat, as well as having anyone who comes in contact with my child wash their hands. Yes, this could appear a bit extreme to some.</div><div><br /></div><div>But, those people have never witnessed an anaphylactic episode. When you have seen your child react to an allergen with your own eyes it becomes very clear how serious food allergies are. When you witness swelling of the lips, or wheezing and gasping for air as their throat is closing you begin to understand what the term "life-threatening" really means. </div><div><br /></div><div>As a mother of a child with food allergies and asthma, I have stopped worrying about what other people think. The only thing that matters to me, is that I do everything I can do in my power to keep my child safe. Safe from any foods that may harm her. At times that may mean offending some people. But I don't really care. My goal is not to be liked as much as it is to protect my daughter's life to the best of my ability.</div><div><br /></div><div>Debra Denhart </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Food Allergies and Asthma in Childrenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08040609614517882605noreply@blogger.com2