Allergic Living: Lessons from a Teen Food Allergy Tragedy

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Allergic Living has posted an excellent article in response to the tragic death of Natalie Giorgi, the 13 year old girl who suffered a fatal bout of anaphylaxis after biting into a treat made with peanut butter.

The article provides commentary from two authorities in the field of allergy: Dr Robert Wood, Director of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center in Baltimore, and Dr. Susan Waserman, an allergist and professor of medicine at McMaster University in Canada. Both doctors provide their views regarding why three doses of epinephrine failed to save Natalie and both give advice on how to treat possible exposures moving forward.

In the wake of Natalie’s death, parents have been confused regarding when to administer epinephrine and there has been much speculation regarding the proper administration of antihistamines. We encourage all parents of children with food allergies to read the article on the Allergic Living site by clicking here, then discuss the article with their child’s physician.

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Dave Bloom
Dave Bloom
Dave Bloom is CEO and "Blogger in Chief" of SnackSafely.com.

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2 COMMENTS

  1. When I heard about Natalie in the news, I immediately thought about my niece who is 8. She has severe Peanut allergy AND I mean, severe to the point she can react to, IF, you breathe Peanut in her face. [Speaking, figuratively.]
    My 5 year old son started Kindergarten this year and one of his classmate has Peanut allergy.
    Being “aware” how serious it is with those with Peanut Allergies, as a mother/wife/aunt, I refuse to pack any snacks with Peanuts in them when I drop my son off at his school.
    And, I don’t mind about substituting Peanut Butter with say, Almond, Soy or Sunflower butter. They costs more, yes, I won’t lie, but, IF, my actions are keeping your children stay alive (longer) due to being “aware” how serious it is with children + adults with Peanut allergies then I am ALL for it.
    I also noticed in various forums found on the internet, some parent(s) do NOT care and would make excuses to why they can’t leave foods with Peanuts at home.
    One parent quoted, “My children aren’t allergic to Peanuts so why do we have to suffer?” When I read that, I was like, “Is this parent for real?” Children + Adults who are allergic to Peanuts didn’t ask to be allergic either. And, I’m sure that parent was just another individual who is quite “unaware” to the dangers with those who are allergic to Peanuts.
    I just think, IF, more people were aware how serious it is with those with Peanut allergies, we can work together somehow and make Public schools = Peanut free and even Nut free environment.
    And, I know, I may NOT understand completely how frightened parents with a child who IS allergic to Peanuts, but believe me when I say, “IF, my son were to be allergic to Peanuts, I would do everything in my power to make his school a Peanut free environment through writing letters to the District Office as well as signing petitions.”
    I am sorry to the parents who lost their daughter at a very young age, but I hope, more people will become more aware the dangers of those who do suffer from severe Peanut and/or other type of food allergies.

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