Allergic Reactions at Houston Daycares

What Parents Need to Know About Food Allergies at Houston Daycares

Sending a child to daycare in Houston can be especially stressful for working parents when a child has a food allergy. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America reports one in 13 children live with a food allergy that can cause mild to severe reactions.

That is why our Houston daycare injury lawyers are shedding light on how critical it is for caregivers to be aware of children’s food allergies and know the common allergens in order to prevent reactions at daycares in Houston and the following nearby cities: Atascocita, Bellaire, Clear Lake, Conroe, Cypress, Deer Park, Friendswood, Humble, Jersey Village, Katy, Lake Jackson, League City, Missouri City, Pasadena, Pearland, Richmond, Rosenberg, Spring, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, and Tomball.

How Allergic Reactions Happen in Houston Daycare Centers

A report from Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) notes that more than 60% of allergic reactions in schools happen in daycare can preschool facilities. There are more than 2 million kids under the age of five in Houston’s metro area, so allergic reactions are likely to be high in Houston-area daycare centers as well.

The most common foods that cause allergic reactions at Houston daycare centers include:

• Eggs
• Milk
• Peanuts
• Sesame
• Shellfish
• Soy
• Tree nuts such as almonds, cashews, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts
• Wheat

Houston daycare centers have a duty to provide safe care for every child, including those with allergies. Because if a child is exposed to a food that they are allergic to, it can manifest from mild symptoms like itchy skin, redness, and hives, to a severe, life-threatening reaction. Therefore, prevention is key.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of an Allergic Reaction at Houston Daycares?

In instances when a child suffers a severe allergic reaction to a specific food, every second counts. That is why it is so important for Houston daycare workers and caregivers to recognize the signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction and respond appropriately. Signs include:

• Skin: Itching, hives, redness, swelling
• Mouth: Itching, swelling of lips and/or tongue, tingling sensation
• Throat: Itching, tightness, closure, hoarseness
• Gut: Vomiting, diarrhea, cramps
• Lungs: Shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
• Heart: Weak pulse, dizziness, passing out

Daycare centers throughout Houston should ensure that all teachers and staff members are trained on how to recognize when a child is experiencing an allergic reaction. The training should also include knowing how and when to administer an EpiPen, if or when other medications should be administered, and when to call 911.

How Allergic Reactions at Houston Daycare Centers Can Be Prevented

Houston daycare facilities can prevent severe allergy reactions by having staff members and caregivers follow these three steps:

1. Get a detailed list of allergies for each child to know what foods should be avoided in the classroom.
2. Avoid providing foods that contain known allergens without permission from a parent. This includes notifying parents of other children in a classroom, so they, too, can avoid packing certain food items in lunches in order to prevent exposure that could trigger a severe reaction in a child.
3. Houston daycare workers should also properly label and store food to prevent a child from coming into contact with a sensitive substance.  

What Damages Can Be Recovered After My Child Has an Allergic Reaction at a Houston Daycare?

Depending on the type of allergic reaction that your child experiences at a Houston daycare center, the medical bills to help their recovery can add up. For example, anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention, which could mean a trip to the emergency room at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital or Texas Children’s Hospital.  An anaphylactic reaction may also require future medical treatments and a potential lifestyle change for your child.

According to the Mayo Clinic, an anaphylactic reaction triggers the body and increases the chances that a child will experience the same reaction in the future. Additionally, your child will always have to carry an EpiPen with them—costing hundreds of dollars—and require regular replacement doses.

In the event your child experiences an allergic reaction caused by a Houston daycare center’s negligence, your child and family deserve fair monetary compensation or damages. Damages can compensate your family for:

• Costly medical bills for current and future treatments
• Significant pain and suffering 

Legal issues involving a child’s allergic reaction can be complex, so call us at 281-857-6116 or fill out a contact form and our experienced Houston team can advise you on the best way to help your family move forward.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Houston Daycare Injury Lawyers After Your Child Experiences an Allergic Reaction

Our team of experienced and compassionate daycare injury attorneys at The Button Law Firm is dedicated to advocating for you and your family if your child experiences an allergic reaction while in the care of a Houston daycare facility. With attorneys in Houston, we are ready to listen and fight for your family in Atascocita, Bellaire, Clear Lake, Conroe, Cypress, Deer Park, Friendswood, Humble, Jersey Village, Katy, Lake Jackson, League City, Missouri City, Pasadena, Pearland, Richmond, Rosenberg, Spring, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, and Tomball. Our attorneys at The Button Law Firm are recognized on the prestigious Texas Super Lawyers list, and we can help guide you after a traumatizing incident involving your child. We work on contingency, meaning we don’t charge you or collect any upfront fees to get started on your case. Call us at 281-857-6116 or fill out a contact form for a free consultation.