Tips for parents of children with food allergies

13th October 2021

Tips for parents of children with food allergies

Whether you just found out your child has a food allergy or if you’ve known for some time now, you may feel anxious, stressed or worried. But you’re not alone. 

5-8% of children in the UK suffer from food allergies. And one recent study showed over 80% of parents face “significant worry” about their child’s food allergy, 42% have post-traumatic stress symptoms, and 39% said they experience moderate to severe anxiety. But no one should have to suffer. So here are three essential tips for parents of children with food allergies.

Speak to other parents whose children have allergies

Part of what can make it so scary as a parent is the feeling you’re on your own. You feel it’s up to you to keep your child safe, and if you’ve never had to deal with allergies before, you might not even know where to begin.

So why not meet up with other parents in person to share your experiences? This can help make you feel less alone and allows the group to support each other. Or you could join a forum or group on social media to find other parents in a similar situation.

Take some time for yourself

Parenting is a stressful, full-time job. And when your child has food allergies, it can be even harder. But it’s important to have time for yourself, free of anxiety, enjoying your favourite activities. 

Spend time with friends, go to restaurants you can’t take your child to, and try to unwind. But if you plan on going to a restaurant your child can’t eat at, consult their allergist before to be certain it’s safe.

Try not to be so hard on yourself

People make mistakes. We’re only human. If you accidentally expose your child to an allergen, it isn’t your fault. It’s impossible to remember every single food that may contain an allergen. 

Chewing gum, for example, can contain milk, as can margarine, crisps and hotdogs. Allergens are found in more products than you would have guessed. So try to take some of that burden off your shoulders. In a similar vein to the first tip, try to share the responsibility with others. The child’s other parent, your family, a close friend – someone who can work with you.

Having a child with a food allergy isn’t easy. And it’s a constant stress in your life. But there are steps you can take to make it that bit easier and help you realise you aren’t alone.

Does your child suffer from food allergies? Get in touch with the London Allergy and Immunology Centre. Our experts can help you manage your child’s allergies and regain control of your life. Get in touch with us now on 02031 433 449.

Three simple things that could make your allergies better

5th February 2020

Three simple things that could make your allergies better

Allergies can be unpredictable, life-altering, and – at the very least – annoying. It’s hard not to feel down sometimes when your allergies are causing havoc. With seasonal allergies, this is common because, for some of the year, you’re fine, but you spend that time dreading the next few months. 

Around 13 million people know they will suffer from hay fever each year. But there are so many simple things people with allergies don’t realise can make their symptoms worse. So it’s time to cut it out. 

Hanging your laundry outside

You might opt to stay indoors, but the summer temperatures are often perfect to dry your clothes the natural way. You can save money on the heating bill or electricity costs from your dryer. But when you dry your clothes on the line, you’ll be bringing plenty of pollen back into the house with you. It will spread to furniture, other people, and other rooms, leaving no place for escape from hay fever, even in your own home. 

Wear a pollen mask

Sometimes, we can’t avoid going outside, even when the pollen count is high. But you can still protect yourself from the pollen by wearing a pollen mask. It will stop you breathing in pollen and other allergies to avoid the annoying symptoms, and you’ll be able to go about your daily tasks.  

Wash your hair

Washing your hair every day is not only time consuming, but it can also lead to dry, brittle hair. This is why so many people, especially those with long hair, wash their hair every couple of days to keep it healthy. 

But, by doing this, you allow pollen in your hair to spread around the house, bedding, and pillows. It then continues to cause your allergies to flare up. If you want to keep your hair healthy while getting rid of pollen, invest in some quality moisturising hair products and use protective styles designed to keep your hair healthy during the allergy season. 

These three things are simple, everyday tasks, which is why so many people with allergies don’t realise they could be making their symptoms worse. By changing your behaviour, you’ll protect yourself during allergy season. But the best way to protect your body from allergens is to seek professional advice so you can follow the right steps to stay happy and healthy. 

All you need to do is to book an appointment with one of the consultants and The London Allergy and Immunology Centre today. They will give you the best solutions to your allergy problems to help you live more comfortably.