In the US, the statistics for food allergies are sobering. About 32 million Americans suffer from an allergy. Of that number, nearly six million children under the age of 18 have allergies. That translates to approximately two children in a classroom. What’s even more frightening is that almost half of children with food allergies (40%) are allergic to more than one thing. If you’re a parent of a child with food allergies, you’re probably nervous about your child being exposed to dangerous allergens. After getting an allergy diagnosis from a Las Vegas allergist, you’ll want to make sure your child stays safe inside and outside the home. That’s just where Elijah’s Law, which is designed to reduce the risk of tragedies from food allergies, comes into play.

What is Elijah’s Law?

Elijah’s Law, based on an initiative called “Elijah’s Echo,” is a law passed in New York State in response to a heartbreaking situation involving severe childhood allergies. The law was created following the death of a child, Elijah Silvera, who died in 2017 from anaphylactic shock after exposure to a food that he was allergic to. Elijah had a severe allergy to dairy and ultimately passed away after eating a grilled cheese sandwich prepared by caretakers at his daycare center. In response to the child’s untimely death, Elijah’s parents pushed to get a bill through the state’s General Assembly raising awareness of childhood allergies and educating caregivers on how to recognize and respond to a severe allergic reaction. In the case of Elijah Silvera, the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, which included difficulty breathing, were attributed to asthma. Failure to recognize and respond to the symptoms, experts say, cost the child his life.

What is Anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock, is a severe allergic reaction that can be deadly. It commonly occurs with a food allergy, but bee stings, certain medications, and latex can also cause this frightening reaction. Anaphylaxis can happen within seconds or minutes. Anaphylaxis ultimately stimulates the body to release chemicals that produce a shock. Difficulty breathing, a weak pulse, skin rash, rapid heart rate, and digestive issues like nausea or vomiting are common symptoms. Although it is a dangerous reaction, anaphylaxis can be controlled by administering a dose of epinephrine to the affected individual. Follow-up care at the emergency room is necessary too.

With so many people affected by allergies, it’s imperative to learn how to stop severe allergic reactions. You can start by visiting the best allergist in Las Vegas for an accurate diagnosis. The allergist can also tell you how to properly manage your allergy symptoms (or your child’s) and provide medication if needed. Along with protecting yourself against an allergic reaction, you’ll become educated on the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction too. If you’re searching for a premier Las Vegas allergist, call (702) 240 4233 or visit www.tottoriallergy.com.