When food is a foe
Food became a focus of Ben and Cathy Burnheimer's lives when they discovered their daughter, Madalin, 4, had life-threatening food allergies.
One too many trips to the emergency room has driven that point home for the Lower Burrell couple.
Unfortunately, an increasing number of mothers and fathers face a similar scenario.
Dr. David Stukus, Madalin's allergist, an assistant professor of pediatrics in the division of pulmonary medicine, allergy and immunology at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, says there has been about a fivefold increase in food allergy over the past decade, especially in children. Studies reveal about one in 25 children have food allergies.
Cathy Burnheimer says she and her husband try to deal with Madalin's allergies by being determined advocates and attempting to educate others about how to be sensitive to the challenges faced by children with allergies.
Madalin is allergic to products containing wheat, eggs and peanuts. She also has allergies to maple-tree pollen, dogs and hay, and her asthma requires a twice-daily preventative inhaler and forces her to carry a rescue inhaler.
"There are many times we have to decline offers for play dates because the family has a dog or because the play date involves an activity that includes food," Burnheimer says. Smoke is another big issue and a significant trigger for Madalin's asthma. "It somewhat limits who we can visit and where we can go," Burnheimer says.
The situation has changed the family's life, Ben Burnheimer says. "It's always on my mind that I might receive another phone call that she's having an allergic reaction," he says. "There is always that fear that she may eat something that she normally eats that has been contaminated. It's tough, because, at this point, she is unable to participate in most family meals not hosted at our home."
It can be stressful to have a child with food allergies, his wife says. "But to know that eating could cause a serious, possibly life-threatening situation for her. It's just not something you can even wrap your mind around if you are not involved with a food-allergic person on a regular basis."
Their daughter's mildest reactions have been hives and vomiting. The most serious has been extreme facial swelling necessitating an injection of medication. To date, her breathing has been affected only by her asthma.
"I think the first six months after her diagnosis, I was in denial. I was convinced that this was a short-term issue and that she would outgrow it quickly," Cathy Burnheimer says.
Stukus says the vast majority of children with milk, egg, wheat and soy allergies tend to outgrow this by school age, sometimes later. However, only about 20 per cent of children with peanut, tree nut, fish or shellfish allergies will develop tolerance over time.
New-onset food allergy can present initially during adulthood as well, and this tends to remain throughout life, especially for peanut and fish-shellfish, Stukus adds.
Holiday meals present challenges, especially Thanksgiving. "My mom has been wonderful with helping me make a predominately Madi-safe Thanksgiving dinner," Cathy Burnheimer says. They spent $40 buying bread for stuffing a medium-sized turkey. Each loaf of wheat-free bread costs $5 to $8 and is about half the size of a regular loaf, Burnheimer says.
"There have been times I have cried in frustration. There have also been times I have cried because I found a 'safe' pizza in the frozen foods at (the local supermarket) that was fairly affordable," Burnheimer says.
The family makes adjustments that work for them. "I hope that even if Madi outgrows her allergies that I have instilled healthy eating habits in my children that will follow them in their adult lives," she says.
Madalin and her sister, Leah, who will be 2 in May and who does not have allergies, eat "very healthy," their mother says, including a lot of fruits and vegetables and not many empty carbohydrates.
Cathy Burnheimer says that parents of children with food allergies have to take on an educator's role.
She sees it as her job not only to protect her daughter Madalin physically, but also emotionally. Her tearful daughter has, at times, expressed her sadness when she feels excluded from what the class is enjoying as a snack, Burnheimer says.
When someone has food allergies, you cannot see their disability, Burnheimer says, but it does not make it any less real. "They look perfectly healthy," she says. Yet, 30,000 people are rushed to the hospital every year due to allergic reactions, Burnheimer says.
First hand experience
"Unfortunately, I think people only become more sensitive and understanding as they see children, or even adults, they are close to struggle with this problem," says Kristina Reyer of Natrona Heights. Her daughter Sarah, 4, who is allergic to wheat, nut and egg protein, is in Kindermusik and swimming classes with Madalin Burnheimer.
"Life changes when a doctor hands you life-saving medication to have on hand at all times because very common things can kill your child," she says.
Reyer, whose husband, Dr. Jeffrey Reyer, is a family physician, says she often sees skeptical looks in adults' eyes when she explains that incidental exposure from another child eating food that is unsafe for Sarah is dangerous. "I hope she does not need to experience a severe allergic reaction in order to find the compassion of others," Kristina Reyer says.
She sees schools as the key in communicating with parents about providing a healthy environment for all.
Burnheimer says she has been open in explaining risks of Madalin having a life-threatening reaction by ingesting even a small amount of food that she is allergic to. She also has explained the emotional side. "Children with food allergies have an increased risk of depression due to the constant exclusion," she says.
Burnheimer compiled and shared a five-page list of safe items, and while safe snacks are emphasized at her daughter's preschool, birthday parties of playmates bring on frustration and concern.
"It's very easy to work with people who have food allergies to keep them safe, just as it is easy to work with someone with a physical disability," she says.
One of the most caring actions someone can take is just to make an effort to include those people, she adds. "You may not think that you are making a difference, but you would be amazed how much a child notices, even when you don't," Burnheimer says.
"It can be a wonderful opportunity to teach your child about acceptance and tolerance of others who are different," she adds. "The reality is that more and more children are being placed on special diets for numerous reasons, including diabetes, autism, food allergies, just to name a few. It is beneficial to everyone involved to be accepting and helpful."
Coping with food allergies
