What is a Food Allergy?
A food allergy is an immune system response. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks a food protein and creates antibodies which attack substances in food that your body recognizes as harmful. Ingestion of the offending food may trigger the sudden release of chemicals, including histamine, resulting in symptoms of an allergic reaction. The symptoms may be mild (rashes, hives, itching, swelling, etc.) or severe (trouble breathing, wheezing, loss of consciousness, etc.). A food allergy can lead to anaphylaxis, an immediate and severe reaction that can cause respiratory failure or shock, which can be fatal.
Peanut allergies have been identified, more than any other food allergy, as the most capable of causing severe, life-threatening reactions. Studies relating to fatal food reactions are largely due to peanuts or tree nuts.
What is the treatment for food allergies?
Treatment requires strict avoidance that comes from diet and lifestyle changes. Reading labels and asking how and where your food was prepared is vital. Anyone with a severe food allergy must always carry an epinephrine pen, which delivers adrenaline to the body to quickly help alleviate symptoms. Often, anti-histamine (such as Benadryl) and/or a steroid must be given as well.
Is there a cure for food allergies?
At present, no. Approximately 12 million Americans have food allergies. In 2010, approximately 3 million children under age 18 years old(3.9%) were reported to have a food allergy, and these numbers continue to climb.
At present, no. Approximately 12 million Americans have food allergies. In 2010, approximately 3 million children under age 18 years old(3.9%) were reported to have a food allergy, and these numbers continue to climb.
Is there a chance of outgrowing food allergies?
While it is certainly possible for children to outgrow allergies to milk, eggs, soybean and wheat and other common "allergic" foods, people rarely outgrow allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish.
{source: The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network}
While it is certainly possible for children to outgrow allergies to milk, eggs, soybean and wheat and other common "allergic" foods, people rarely outgrow allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish.
{source: The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network}
What I want people to know:
Food allergies and food intolerances are not the same thing. A food intolerance does not involve the immune system and is not life-threatening. Less than 8% of children under the age of three have a true food allergy. Food intolerances are much more common and are often mistaken for food allergies. It is very important not to dismiss the importance of what a food allergy really means.
