2 1/2 year old with allergies

[mama2five]

Hi, my 2 1/2 year old was diagnosed with peanut, tomato, dust mite, mold, dog and several other allergies. She just received an epi-pen last week due to a reaction she had to ketchup a few days before her pens were called in.

I had taken my 2 1/2 yr old, my 9 yr old and a neighbor's little girl to Mickey D's and my 9 yr old had given my 2 1/2 yr old some ketchup but I didn't realize she had it until she started screaming that she was itching. I look at her and she is scratching at the backs of her hands and face, her face has a BRIGHT red rash on it, and her eyes were watery and her nose and mouth were red. I grab my 2 1/2 yr old and tell my 9 yr old and the neighbor girl to get our stuff and come out to the van so I can call the ped to see what I need to do. They said to give her Benadryl and watch to see if that helps and if not take her straight to the ER. Thankfully after 20 mins the Benadryl worked. They called the epi pen in and said ABSOLUTELY NO KETCHUP OR TOMATO products, which she has had since she was dx with tomato allergy except this incident. My 9 yr old felt horrible about giving her sister the ketchup. I told her it wasn't her fault but to make sure she NEVER gives her any ketchup or tomato stuff again or ask if she's not sure if she should have it.

Well that being said, my husband is so hard headed! He said that he is NOT going to take away ketchup, pizza, tomatoes and stuff like that because the allergist said she's fine. Well the day this happened I called her allergist as well and she also said to COMPLETELY take out tomatoes from her diet! And my husband is so pig headed how can I get him to understand how serious these allergies can be?!?! I've told him what the allergist said but he still WILL NOT stop giving her ketchup when she has french fries or hot dogs.

[jaykay1623]

I have a 10 yr old that was fine until she started school Then she got severly sick. She had to take breathing treatments 4 to 5 times a day. after four years of this I took her to a allergist who took test and said she was allergic to everything,,, he wanted to give her a shot twice a week to build her immune system  and have her on breathing meds and singular. When he left the room the nurse told me to give her 1 tsp. daily. I did this for 2 weeks,   she is on no meds and has'nt had a breathing treatment in about a year. She will have them from time to time because of where we live but there are no worries about allergies. I'm not a doctor. And you should follow your Doctors orders but thought you could just take this info in consideration. Sincerly jaykay

[Shellabell]

Hi Mama2five, my name is michelle and I'm from Ireland, I have a 5 year old boy with pretty much all the allergies you have listed for your little girl. Congrats on your quick actions which no doubt saved your daughter from a worse reaction and a trip to the ER so both you and your older daughter should not blame yourselves. You acted brilliantly and you should treat the incident as a bit of a learning curve.
I just thought I'd let you know of an incident which happened with my son about six months ago which you should definitely check out with Mickey D's. I'd taken him in for a happy meal (great that the kiddies meals are all nut free!) and he asked for tomato ketchup. As they are in the dispensers I asked to see the bottle with the listed ingredients due to his nut allergy. Lo and behold the ketchup contained traces of peanuts. So I would advise you to go back and ask to see the ketchup ingredients. If indeed this is the case, ask if the incident could be recorded in the accident book and request that signs be put up on the ketchup dispenser advising other patients.
As you will know, kids with nut allergies can be allergic to a host of other food stuffs and its a risk everytime my son eats anything. But in time hopefully your husband will realise how dangerous food allergies are. Maybe advise him to do a bit of research on the net and see just how many children die from allergies every year. And ask him would he prefer to see your daughter gasping for breath and having to be given CPR by an ER doctor or would he prefer to go with your instincts and protect her. Lets face it, your daughter is more precious than the taste of a tomato ketchup soaked hot dog.
I wish you luck with your daughters, you sound like you have already clicked into the aware parent mode which goes in tune with a child with allergies. Good Luck!!

[mama2five]

Thanks for both of your replies.

Shellabell -- I will definitely ask Mickey D's to see their ketchup label next time I'm in there. I NEVER would've thought that ketchup has traces of peanuts in it!!! Thank you so much for suggesting this.