<p>This web site prints allergy translation cards: <a href="http://www.allergytranslation.com/Home/home.php%5B/url%5D">http://www.allergytranslation.com/Home/home.php</a></p>
<p>True, but the Benadryl is for after tbe Epipen, to help reduce swelling. It will take about 15 minutes to work even if it is absorbed directly through the mucous membranes, so it is no substitute for either Epipen, but if he is away from medical help, it may be worth carrying a little around. Primatene mist, too, exactly, something that is absorbed directly and doesn't have to be swallowed.</p>
<p>I'm grateful for all the wonderful information and advice. I'll be working for the next few days to get him linked up with an allergist, and will make sure he leaves the country with dog tags, translated allergy cards, and an armload of information re: food choices. Instinctively, he has always avoided nuts and has generally preferred his foods plain. Maybe I can encourage him to stay pretty conservative in his food choices. Two epipens (and quickly dissolving Benadril and Primatine mist) sounds essential.</p>
<p>I think the key is to pin down exactly what he is allergic to.</p>
<p>My peanut allergic daughter was a HS exchanger in Europe a year ago. We picked Europe, as she is not allergic to other nuts, and I thought the prevelence of peanuts would be less than in the USA. Which it is, however, she still had "issues" Luckily, nothing too serious. She was diagnosed as an 11 month old when her silly mother gave her a cracker with P butter, figuring she was almost at that magic 12 month mark when immune systems are better developed. Wrong! We landed in the ER that time. There have been a few subsequent exposures, and our, now her, routine is to take Benedryl (diphenhydramine) at the first sign of exposure. Chewable benedryl (childrens) works the fastest. For her, that first sign is usually an itchy mouth, or odd mouth feel. If something just gets into her mouth, benedryl and rinsing her mouth are sufficient, tho she is in for a sleepy day or evening. If it were to progress to any respiratory involvement, she needs to use the epi pen. I've learned recently that ranitidine or pepcid also can help with a little blocking of allergens as well, tho just as an adjunct to benedryl. There are a certain number of deaths every year from people using epi pens too late. Never hesitate to use epi if respiratory involvement is starting, or if unsure. It makes the heart race a bit, but dissipates quickly in the system, which is why you need the benedryl, and a second epi pen at hand. And hospital observation with any reaction severe enough to need epi. </p>
<p>But you need to hear this, and more, from an allergist, after testing. And assess how fast your son reacted. My daughter is a slow reactor historically, though you never know how response can change. Some people have lightening fast reactions. Our allergist also gave her a prednisone dose, should she have a severe exposure in Europe. She carries her epi pen and benedryl everywhere, reads labels, and avoids bakeries, where you never know about cross contamination. </p>
<p>Asia-I've lived in Asia, and with much trepidation, taken my daughter to visit family in Thailand. We never eat in Asian restaurants here, due to the oil issue. Though at one point, we saw a rather world reknown research allergist, who said that in theory, peanut oil should be ok, as the protein is what causes reactions. But how much contamination is in peanut oil? I don't know, so we avoid it. </p>
<p>But Thailand was fine. Peanut oil is expensive, and they use palm oil for cooking. Worse for cardiovascular health perhaps, but I was thrilled. And aside from a few specific curries, peanuts were not sprinked on food at random as in American Thai restaurants. </p>
<p>Have information on his allergy written in Chinese. The local dialect is Shanghaiese, tho I'd think Mandarin would be widely spoken. With written instructions, anyone can understand, even if he travels to areas where other dialects are spoken. And maybe I'm dating myself, as I was in China a long time ago, and perhaps everyone speaks Mandarin much more these days. </p>
<p>There are walnuts and cashews used in restaurants in China, but not as much as you'd find here. Pecans are impossible to buy in Asia. Hazelnuts in European imported chocolates. Peanuts are boiled and served as a snack, at least in some parts of China. </p>
<p>Your son is going to a great city, with good medical care, and an international outlook. Of anyplace in China, I'd think he'd be the safest there.</p>
<p>Sorry for repeat info, didn't see the second page before I posted.</p>
<p>And thanks for the above info on peanut oil! The info on CC is quite astounding!</p>
<p>I can't speak to the issue of use of nuts/peanut oil in China. However, I have a son with diabetes who is working for a year in Chongqing. Be sure to take whatever meds he needs for the semester; it often is hard to find equivalents to American meds. My S has run out of Advil and has been unable to locate any. He took with him enough insulin and pump supplies for the year along with various levels of meds for diarrhea/stomach ailments and antibiotics. My S has a MedicAlert necklace -- think I bought him a second one as he tends to lose them. MedicAlert also has an info and referral service -- you hafto pay the fee -- and then they will link you to their English speaking providers all over the world. They had NO providers listed in Chongqing but within a few days of my S's request they had identified two hospitals in the city for him. I second the suggestion to carry a card in Chinese describing his allergy for presentation in Chinese restaurants. Friends who have been to China say you need to always carry a card with your hotel name and address in Mandarin as well as your destination in Mandarin. Good luck.</p>
<p>Very valuable information on this thread, thank you!</p>
<p>PM Alumother--she travels to Shanghai four or five times a year.</p>
<p>My sons have been/are going to programs in Beijing. In general, I am a throw-em-in the-deep-end mum but I would be very very cautious about paying for him to go to shanghai IF you establish that he has a very severe nut allergy.</p>
<p>Food is the centerpiece of Chinese life and while the chinese can be quite picky and demanding eaters, the Chinese restauranteurs aren't necessarily going to understand or heed your son's requests. That sort of individualized attention is a western concept. In my opinion. If he isn't a fourth year college mandarin student, I don't think his Mandarin--or Shanghai-ese--will be good enough for him to navigate those restaurants. </p>
<p>If he is in danger when he eats nuts--particularily peanuts--then he needs to wait until his Mandarin is fluent before he goes to China--or he needs to go to Taiwan instead--or he needs to rent an apartment and cook his own food--or hire and english speaking cook.</p>
<p>Bummer news but not tragic news.</p>