Originally published in YOUR Williamson —

Avery Miller had never used her EpiPen until last year. Diagnosed with a tree nut allergy at age 5, Avery, now 14, has always been vigilant about avoiding triggers.

“It’s not something I have to think about a lot,” Avery says. “It’s just learned behavior.”

But a 2023 exposure to tree nuts at a Christmas party with school friends triggered a severe reaction. When her mom, Megan, picked her up, Avery immediately raised the alarm.

“She got in the car and said, ‘Mommy, you’re going to be mad at me. I ate something, and it made my lip feel funny,’” Megan said, recalling the trip from Spring Hill to their home in Nashville. “As she was talking, I could hear her voice changing because her throat was swelling.”

Recognizing the signs of anaphylaxis, Megan acted quickly. She administered Avery’s EpiPen and rushed to the pediatric emergency room (ER) at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital Vanderbilt (MCJCHV) at Williamson Medical Center.

Providers at Williamson Medical Center, the flagship facility of Williamson Health, quickly assessed Avery’s condition and reassured Megan.

“Anaphylaxis is scary, and it’s dangerous,” said Brandon Gosik, a registered nurse in the pediatric ER who treated Avery. “I wanted to reassure them that they did the right thing by coming to the hospital and seeking medical care.”

Gosik warned that even if symptoms improve after administering an EpiPen, people experiencing a severe reaction should seek medical attention. Symptoms can develop minutes to hours after exposure, so calling 911 may be necessary in an emergency.

Avery has fully recovered, but she and her mom are grateful for the compassionate, high-quality care they received at MCJCHV at Williamson Medical Center.

“The fact that Williamson Medical Center has a separate ER just for kids means that they have an extra level of compassion for kids and empathy for parents and that was evident,” Megan said. “There are closer hospitals to our house, but after our experience at Williamson Health, I would drive an extra few minutes to go to the MCJCHV at Williamson Medical Center.”

Whatever your emergency, Williamson Health’s highly trained medical professionals are ready to help. To learn more, visit WilliamsonHealth.org.

More On Food Allergy Safety: What You Need to Know

According to the Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) organization, 33 million Americans have food allergies and about half have had a severe reaction.

Here are some key facts and tips for handling food allergies, according to Lisa Mathews, clinical nutrition manager at Williamson Health:

Know Common Allergens

Common food allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, fish, shellfish and soy. Seed allergies, such as sesame, are also rising, Mathews said.

Take Precautions

Avoiding allergens is key, but hidden ingredients in sauces, candies and seasonings can pose risks. Some foods use nuts for thickening or flavoring, and seasonings may contain sesame or gluten. “People with food allergies might want to avoid sauces, seasonings, and foods processed in facilities that handle high-allergen items,” Mathews advised.

Plan Ahead

When attending events, Mathews advised informing the host about allergies and bringing safe foods. To help children feel included, share allergy-friendly snacks. “To prevent exclusion, engage other attendees and include them in the snacks and party favors you bring,” Mathews suggested.

At restaurants, communicate your allergy to the manager and server, detailing hidden ingredients to avoid. Providing a “chef card” outlining your allergy, its severity and how to prevent cross-contamination may also be beneficial, Mathews said.