Living with Food Allergies
Food allergies are making the news,
as the number of reported cases is
growing. Up to 8 percent of children
and 2 percent of adults in the United States
are estimated to have food allergies.
What is causing the increase is still unknown. Some experts feel that there is not an increase in allergies, but rather just an increase in awareness and in cases reported to physicians. Some feel that exposure to common allergy-causing foods early in life, even before birth, can cause an allergy to develop in children.
Ever hear someone say they are “allergic to” a certain food? Many people confuse food allergies with food intolerance. True food allergies are much less common.
“A food intolerance is a reaction to food that does not involve the immune system,” says Tonya Sexton, DO, of Family Medicine of Stockbridge. “A person with lactose intolerance, for example, lacks an enzyme needed to digest milk. When the person consumes milk products, symptoms such as gas, bloating, and abdominal pain may occur. Although they are bothersome, they are not life-threatening.”
A true food allergy causes an immune
system reaction, which may include hives,
asthma, swelling of the throat, or even death.
“An allergy is simply the body’s response to something it believes is harmful,” says allergist/immunologist Benjamin Song, MD. “If you have an allergy, your body will create antibodies against it when you are first exposed to the food. When you are exposed to the food again, your body will use its antibodies to mount a defense against it, which is commonly known as an allergic reaction.”
Though there are unanswered questions about the cause, once a food allergy is discovered, it is important to educate yourself about how to avoid reactions.
How Do I Know if I Have a Food Allergy?
Often, a food allergy is discovered by accident when a food is eaten. A reaction can range from mild itching or swelling to a more severe reaction—called anaphylaxis —that can involve life-threatening constriction of airways or shock.“If you suspect a food allergy, the best place to start is to keep a ‘diary’ of your symptoms and what you ate before they appeared,” says Dr. Song. “It’s also important to note when the symptoms started, how long they lasted, and whether you have experienced them before. Having a good record helps pinpoint the problem.”
Two tests can determine if you have an allergy: the common “skin prick” test, and a RAST (radioallergosorbent test). The first can be done in the doctor’s office; the RAST involves sending a blood sample to a lab, and results are usually ready within a week or two. The results of these tests, combined with your records and family history, can help your physician make a diagnosis.
What Do I Do if I Have a Food Allergy?
“The most important step to avoid a reaction is being aware of and educated about your allergy,” says Dr. Song. “You will need to read food labels very carefully, and strictly avoid the ‘offending’ food—especially if your allergy could be life-threatening. If your physician prescribes medication, carry it with you at all times.”
Epinephrine, also called “adrenaline,” is
the medication of choice for controlling a
severe reaction. It is available by prescription
in a self-injectable device (EpiPen® or
Twinject®). Milder allergies may be controlled
with antihistamines and skin creams.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires food companies to label the most common allergy-causing ingredients. If there is no label, do not eat the food. Those with severe allergies should beware of eating at restaurants, where crosscontamination of food is likely. Wear a medical alert bracelet to let others know of your allergy in case you become unable to communicate.
“I tell patients that there are a lot of resources out there for people with food allergies,” says Dr. Song. “Support groups and other organizations specifically for people with food allergies can be valuable resources for patients and their families. Talking to others who are going through the same challenges can be a great learning experience, as well as a great comfort.”
the big offenders
There are a few key foods that are
known to cause most food allergies
in the United States. In children,
those foods are:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Peanuts
- Wheat
- Soy
- Tree nuts (like walnuts and pecans)
In adults, four foods cause almost all food allergy reactions:
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Fish
- Shellfish
avoiding food allergies in children
Unfortunately, there is no sure-fire way to avoid food allergies in children. Some things
may decrease the risk of getting an allergy, but are not a guarantee.
n S ome evidence suggests that breastfeeding your baby can help decrease the risk of
food allergies in your child.
- Try to wait until babies are 6 months old before you give them solid foods.
- Children should not eat peanuts, nuts, or fish until 3 years of age.
- If you have a strong family history of allergies, be aware of the increased risk of food allergies.
- Persistent eczema can be linked to food allergies in infants.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
