Have an Egg-cellent Easter — Even With Food Allergies

Easter is a time for friends and family to come together and celebrate spring, the season of hope and rebirth. Unfortunately, if you have food allergies, there are some holiday traditions that can quickly turn that hope into despair. Let’s take a look at a few of them:

Easter Eggs

Mayo Clinic notes eggs as one of the most common food allergies for children. Reactions can include:

  • Skin inflammation or hives – the most common egg allergy reaction
  • Nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing (allergic rhinitis)
  • Digestive symptoms, such as cramps, nausea and vomiting
  • Asthma signs and symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness or shortness of breath

A severe reaction can result in anaphylaxis and requires medical attention immediately. And for people who are extremely sensitive to eggs, even just touching them can lead to a serious reaction. This is especially true for young children who may handle the egg and then touch their eyes or mouths.

However, egg allergy sufferers can still experience the egg-dying tradition that their non-allergic peers enjoy. EggNots, created by a loving aunt for her food-allergic young niece, are affordable, dyeable ceramic eggs that allow all the fun without the risk. Or, you can get plastic eggs and fill them with treats like candy or coins. Not only are the plastic kind colorful alternatives, they cost very little and are reusable year after year. Plus, everyone, no matter what age, loves to pop them open for their hidden treasures.

Candy

When it comes to candy sales, Easter is only second to Halloween. However, just like with its autumn cousin, this holiday candy is full of allergens:

  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Peanuts
  • Tree nuts
  • Wheat
  • Gelatin
  • Food dyes/colors
  • Nickel (an ingredient in some types of chocolate)

Fortunately, this doesn’t mean that the big bunny is out of a job. With nutrition sciences constantly evolving, the list of allergy-friendly foods is quickly growing and there are plenty of alternatives to satisfy any sweet tooth. For an updated list of allergy-free Easter candy, click here.

Toys

You don’t usually think of toys having food allergens that can cause your child to have a serious reaction, but the truth is, some may. A Food Allergy Research & Education blog posted in February 2016 lists hidden food-related dangers in popular toys such as modeling compounds (e.g. Play Doh)  and stuffed animals – all of which are popular Easter gifts.

Of course, you must also be aware of other dangers when it comes to toys, for example, choking hazards. Small children tend to put everything in their mouths … or ears and nose. If the latter occurs, call our sister office, Westwood Ear, Nose and Throat, to  get you and your child out of that tight situation.

With some precautions taken, everyone can enjoy traditional Easter activities. At CT Sinus Center, we would like to wish you and your family a happy and healthy holiday! May your (Easter) basket always be full.

For more information on all things sinus and allergy, visit the CT Sinus Center website and blog.

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