Over six million Americans have food allergies; most of them are children.    Up to 3 million Americans suffer from peanut or tree nut allergy.
A true food allergy originates from the immune system and is NOT the same as a food intolerance, e.g., lactose intolerance.
    There are eight foods which account for 90% of allergic reactions.  They are peanuts, tree nuts (walnuts, pecans, pistachios, pine nuts, etc.) fish, shellfish, eggs, milk, soy and wheat.
    Peanuts are the leading cause of severe allergic reactions, followed by shellfish, fish, tree nuts and eggs.
    Individuals with food allergies and asthma appear to be at an increased risk for severe allergic reaction.  Most individuals that have had a reaction ate a food that they thought was safe.
    Food allergy is the leading cause of anaphylaxis (sudden, severe allergic reaction) outside the hospital setting.
    It is estimated that as many as 125 people die each year from food allergy-related reactions; approximately 50 people die from insect sting reactions.
    As with most diseases, there is a wide variation  of severity with food allergy.  Some individuals are so sensitive to certain foods, they can react to the touch and smell of the offending food.
    There is no proven cure for true food allergies.  The only treatment is strict avoidance of the offending food.  It is imperative to read  the food labels of all foods eaten everyday; and to know that allergenic foods may NOT be declared on the label.  For this reason, individuals who have had a severe allergic reaction to food should always carry injectable epinephrine with them.  It is the first line of defense against a severe reaction (anaphylaxis) and buys time to get to a hospital.

    So what does this mean for you and me?  Never take food allergies lightly and try to understand that food-allergic people need our help to prevent serious allergic reactions.  When

you have company, or friends of your children stop by to play, ASK if there are any food allergies you need to know about.  If there is any question about a certain food, don't serve it to the allergic individual.
    Respond quickly to the symptoms of an allergic reaction:  tingling sensation in the mouth, swelling of the tongue and the throat, difficulty breathing, hives, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, loss of consciousness.  These can occur within minutes to two hours after the person has eaten the food to which he/she is allergic. Call 911 and report a severe allergic reaction;  if available, assist in the use of the epinephrine (Epi-Pen, etc.).
    If you have more questions about this topic, or need help living with a food allergy issue in your home, there is help available.  Food Anaphylaxis Education (FAE) is an education group in this area and can be reached by calling 734-420-2805.

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