Food Allergy

Food Allergy and Food Intolerance

Food Allergy Testing

Food allergy testing in the doctor's office involves either a prick skin test or a blood test. In a prick skin test, the doctor will place small drops of the substance being tested on the patient's skin. If the patient is allergic, a mosquito bite-looking bump will form. A blood test checks whether the patient has IgE antibodies to specific foods, indicating an allergy. The ALCAT Food Sensitivity Test allows you to test for hidden food allergies from the comfort of your home. It's important to note that you should be cautious about self-diagnosis of any food allergies. You could end up unnecessarily eliminating a food that provides much-needed nutrition, for instance. Be sure to discuss your food allergy concerns and a history of symptoms with an allergist. Information gathered from your personal history with the food as well as the information from the food allergy testing will be taken into account in order to make an accurate diagnosis.

Children and Food Allergies

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports that over 2.2 million school-aged children now have food allergies. One in every 17 children under the age of three has a food allergy. Food allergies in young children can be particularly frightening for the parents and children alike. School, friends' birthday parties, and sleepovers all pose extra hazards to the food allergic child. Much of parents' anxiety is related to questions about whether their children will be able to effectively communicate their food allergy. Food allergy t-shirts can help by visibly reminding caregivers of the child's allergy. Another source of concern is eating out with food allergic children, largely because of possible cross-contamination. Food Allergy Cards are great for both children and adults who have food allergies, helping to communicate food allergies with servers and restaurant staff both while eating out and while at school. The more knowledgeable the food preparation staff is, the less likely that there will be problems regarding a particular food allergy.

With more and more exposure in the media regarding food allergies, a variety of changes have been made to make it easier for food allergic and food sensitive people to work, play, eat and interact with less fear. As one of the most common food allergies, peanuts and peanut products have been removed from certain seating sections at ballparks. You can still get peanuts but now there are sections where those with peanut or tree nut allergies can enjoy a game without worry. Food allergies are also now much more easily handled by kitchen staff as knowledge and general awareness increases, and labeling of food now includes disclaimers if products were prepared with or in facilities that also process peanuts, tree nuts or nut products. Overall, the best thing that those with food allergies can do is be knowledgeable, be prepared and speak up.

Food Allergy Anaphylaxis

As the most severe allergic reaction to certain foods, anaphylaxis can occur rapidly and may cause death. Food is one of the most common causes for onset of food allergy anaphylaxis. It accounts for over 30,000 emergency room visits every year in the United States. Those who have food allergies as well as asthma may be at even greater risk for experiencing anaphylactic reactions to food. Indicators of anaphylaxis include swollen lips or skin symptoms, difficulty breathing, reduced blood pressure, and gastrointestinal symptoms. An actual anaphylactic reaction might begin with a tingling feeling, a metallic taste in the mouth, itching, swelling of the mouth and throat area, then progress to gastrointestinal symptoms, drop in blood pressure, a sensation of warmth, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness. When not treated quickly and treated properly, anaphylaxis is deadly.

Epinephrine injections are life-saving treatments of anaphylaxis. Administered through EpiPens or other types of auto-injectors, epinephrine counteracts severe low blood pressure and wheezing by narrowing the blood vessels and opening airways in the lungs. Food allergic individuals should always carry an EpiPen with them. The Protectube and Ana-Tote carrying cases make this easy for adults and children alike.

Food Allergy Action Plan

Individuals with food allergies should have a well thought-out plan to cope with their - or their children's - food allergies. This includes ways to minimize and prevent exposure to the food allergen, as well as a plan of action for what to do if a reaction occurs. Food Allergy Cards are a convenient way to make sure your server and restaurant staff are aware of the danger your food allergy poses and help them to ensure you aren't exposed to the food you or your child is allergic to. When eating anything, inquire about the ingredients or check the label. Food manufacturers have become much more diligent in posting certain warnings on products, but scanning the ingredients list is always a good first step. For children with food allergies, it's important that parents build a network of informed people in the child's school, daycare or social groups. Education and awareness is key in combating any food allergy. Cafeteria staff, teachers and other administrators should be aware of the food allergy as well as how to deal with an allergic reaction if the child is exposed. In this regard, EpiPens or auto injectors are an indispensable component of any food allergy action plan. Snapped to a belt or clipped to a backpack, carrying cases can help ensure that you always have a well-protected EpiPen with you or your child. The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network, (FAAN), provides a printable Food Allergy Action Plan for students to take with them to school. There's a growing body of information out there about food allergies and coping with them, and with a little effort and some time, you can help ensure a safer, more reaction free environment for you and your child.