Be prepared for children’s food allergies

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Would you know what to do if your child was suffering from a severe food allergy?

Medical experts say it’s important to have a plan in place, and to know the symptoms.

One in 13 children in the U.S. is currently diagnosed with a severe food allergy.

Recently Brittany Mahomes, wife of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, shared her experience with their two children, Sterling and Bronze.

They both have food allergies.

The couple worked with Dr. Ruchi Gupta to get the word out to other parents.

“She had Bronze and started feeding him peanuts, as we encourage early in life, and he started having a reaction and they ended up in ER,” Gupta said. “It was very scary for her.”

Gupta also has a child with a severe food allergy and says every parent can prepare for an emergency with confidence once they educate themselves,

“First and foremost, go to your doctor, see your allergist, and make sure you have that same plan in place.”

Go to foodallergygameplan.com to acquaint yourself with the symptoms of a life-threatening food allergy.

Infants and toddlers have similar symptoms.

Among the most common: hives on the skin, swelling, redness and itching. Reactions can be accompanied by vomiting.

“Look for excessive coughing and wheezing,” Gupta said. “Finally, because babies can’t talk to you, it’s important to watch them for any excessive fussiness, or tiredness or lethargy.”

If you have a child with a severe allergy, Gupta said it’s important to use an epinephrine auto-injector.

Britney carries two “AUVI-Qs” for each of her children and brings them with her everywhere. It talks you through what to do, when to inject, when to call 911 and it has really given her confidence.

She says it’s very important to make sure anyone who cares for your child or children is educated on the device. Share that with family, friends, teachers and coaches.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.