“I want my classmates to remember my allergies before sharing food.”

May is Allergy Awareness Month and a great time to learn about food allergies! SPEAK is featuring interviews with Singaporean families, caregivers and healthcare professionals for the month of May to help raise awareness about the challenges and triumphs these families go through.

Last week, Mr and Mrs Daniel shared how they support their allergic grandchild with multiple food allergies. 

This week, we speak to a primary school student and discover her perspective on food allergies, as well as how she copes with multiple food and environmental allergies. 

The interview is done by Shilpa Dani, mother of 10-year-old Aakansha Rajaraman.

Aakansha is allergic to wheat, barley, oats, cashew, pistachio, and almonds. She also has allergic rhinitis, dust mite allergy and asthma.   

Aakansha is in Primary 5 and her parents describe her as a fun-loving, energetic, creative, smart, and free-spirited girl.

What is your favourite snack ?

Mom’s cake and Magnum Double Chocolate ice cream. 

Do you remember when you were first diagnosed with food allergy?

No, I don’t remember.

(Shilpa: She was officially diagnosed with food allergy when she was 1 year old)

What are the foods that you avoid because of your allergies?

I usually don’t eat bread, biscuits, some drinks and candy. Not able to eat candy is the  worst part of having an allergy! 

I only eat bread and biscuits which are labeled gluten-free and after checking with my mom. 

(Shilpa: This cheeky girl says that candies are good for health! Haha. Aakansha eats only home-made meals since most kitchens are not dedicated gluten-free and nut-free facilities. Even traces of wheat can trigger her allergy. However, she is able to eat a variety of ready made snacks as long as they are labeled allergen-free.) 

What happens if you accidentally eat food you’re allergic to?

I get an allergic reaction. My body will look like a watermelon meaning my skin turns really red, my eyes start itching, I get a runny nose, my body starts itching and it feels hard to breathe. This happened two years ago. I felt very bad and vomited a lot of food. I felt better after vomiting. We went to the hospital for a check-up. Still I was happy as my parents bought me a present afterwards.

(Shilpa: Later I discovered that a skin turning bright red is medically termed as skin flushing. It is one of the first visible symptoms of anaphylaxis i.e. severe allergic reaction.)

What is something you always bring along when you step out of the house?

I always carry my medical kit which contains my Epi-Pen, Ventolin puff and Zyrtec medicine.

How do you feel when you go to a birthday party and you can’t eat the birthday cake?

I carry my own home-made cake to birthday parties. I am happy about it because I get to choose my favourite flavour which is chocolate.

How do you feel when you are offered food at school recess or at a party?

I’ll just be calm and tell them that I have an allergy and can’t share their food. 

But there are some friends whom I have told many times, then I just stare at them till they remember.

Is there something you want non-allergic people to understand?

I want my classmates to remember my allergies before sharing food because I have to remind them several times. 

Also, I want them to understand that during recess time they can share the table with me. As long as their food does not spill into my food then I am safe. Also since everyone is eating with a spoon and not hands, they can sit near me.

(Shilpa: It’s possible to make the allergic child feel included during recess time if precautions are explained in advance to the children.)

Do you have any friend/classmate who looks out for you?

I always look after myself.

How do you feel when your friends remember to bring you an allergy-safe candy/return gift for you?

Usually It’s hard to find allergen-free food gifts. Some of my friends remember my allergies and present me non-food return gifts like toys. But if I get a food gift which I can safely eat then I feel really, really happy!

What is your advice to other allergic children? What should they do if they are feeling unwell and getting an allergic reaction?

I will give advice that you should stay away from food that you can’t eat. Always ask your parents before you eat something new. Even if you have eaten before you should still check as the recipe might have changed. 

If a child is feeling unwell, they should inform their parent, teacher or any other adult immediately. Stay safe!

 

(Shilpa: This picture is very special to me. It warms my heart to see young children who are learning to be more empathetic and looking after each other’s needs. Before Aakansha was diagnosed, we didn’t know anyone within our family or friend circle who has allergies or asthma. Initially, it was a steep learning curve. Slowly, after reading about allergies and joining online community groups, we learned to cope with day-to-day living with allergies. Even now, it is a stressful affair during social events. A huge shout-out to all the health professionals, teachers, family, friends and also online Facebook parents (who have children with allergies/following gluten-free diet) and everyone who is helping us in this journey. It takes a community to raise an allergic child and a little support and understanding means a lot and goes a long way! ❤)

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Looking to learn more about allergies and eczema ? 

On June 5th, National University Hospital’s pediatric allergist Professor Hugo Van Bever will hold an online webinar discussing the link between food allergy and eczema in young children. Sign up here: https://speakallergy.org.sg/events-2/