What is a food allergy?
Allergic reactions to food occur when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks harmless food proteins. The allergic individual’s immune system makes IgE antibodies, special proteins that can detect particular food proteins and that sit on the surface of allergy cells found throughout the body. These IgE antibodies detect the food and alert the cell to release chemicals, such as histamines, that result in the allergic symptoms.
What foods are known to cause an allergic reaction?
While any food can cause an allergic reaction, eight foods account for 90% of food allergic reactions. Peanut, tree nuts, soy, wheat, milk, egg, fish and shellfish. While many individuals outgrow a food allergen, peanut, tree nuts, fish and shellfish tend to be life-long.
What are the symptoms of food allergy?
Symptoms of food allergy affect the skin (e.g., hives; swelling of the lips, tongue, and face), respiratory system (e.g., shortness of breath, wheezing), and the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., abdominal pain, cramping, vomiting).
Can a food allergic reaction be fatal?
Yes, a reaction that results in anaphylaxis can be fatal and account for 150 - 200 deaths a year, mostly children and young adults.
Is there a cure for food allergy?
Currently, there is no cure for food allergy. The best way to avoid a reaction is to always avoid the offending food.
What is the best treatment for a food allergic reaction?
Some reactions may be controlled by the use of an antihistamine such as Benadryl. Epinephrine is the medication of choice for controlling severe allergic reactions to food. Early administration of epinephrine is key to an individuals survival of an anaphylactic reaction.
How many Americans are affected with food allergies?
Approximately 12 million Americans and over 4% of school-aged children are affected with food allergies.
