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Consumer Focus: The Basics of Food Allergies

The Basics of Food Allergies Allergies affect the lives of millions of people around the world. Fresh flowers, a friend�s cat or dog, even dust can make people itch, sneeze and scratch almost uncontrollably. But what about that seemingly innocent peanut butter sandwich, glass of milk or fish fillet? Learn more about food allergies and steps you can take to reduce your risk of exposure to potentially dangerous food allergens. The Basics Common Symptoms of Food Allergies Most Common Food Allergens Diagnosing Food Allergy Treatment for Food Allergies Other Resources E-mail this Information to A Friend Other Topics in the Consumer Focus Archive

The Basics Each year more than 50 million Americans suffer from a variety of allergic diseases such as; atopic dermatitis and other eczemas, hives, allergies to venom of stinging insects (honeybees, wasps, and fire ants), allergic drug reactions and food allergies. According to the National Institutes of Health, approximately 5 million Americans, (5 to 8% of children and 1 to 2% of adults) have a true food allergy. Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance Food allergy, also called �food hypersensitivity�, is a reaction of the body�s immune system to something in a food or an ingredient in a food � usually a protein. Food allergens are not broken down by cooking or the digestive process. As a result, they enter the bloodstream and cause allergic reactions throughout the body. Food allergies can cause life-threatening reactions. Other reactions to foods are called food intolerances or food idiosyncrasies. Food intolerance is an adverse reaction to a food substance or additive that does not involve the immune system. These reactions are generally localized, temporary, and rarely life threatening. Lactose intolerance is an example of food intolerance. Note: It is very important for individuals who have true food allergies to identify them and prevent allergic reactions to food because these reactions can cause serious illness and, in some cases, be fatal. Top

Common Symptoms of Food Allergies Symptoms of food allergy differ greatly among individuals. They can also differ in the same person during different exposures. Allergic reactions to food can vary in severity, time of onset, and may be affected by when the food was eaten. Common symptoms may include: skin irritations such as rashes, hives and eczema, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath can also result from food allergy. Some individuals may experience a more severe reaction called anaphylaxis � a rare but potentially fatal condition which may include swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, lowered blood pressure and unconsciousness. Symptoms usually appear rapidly, sometimes within minutes of exposure to the allergen. Seek immediate medical attention � standard emergency treatment often includes an injection of epinephrine (adrenaline) to open up the airway and blood vessels. Top

Most Common Food Allergens The eight most common food allergens include: Milk (including yogurt and ice cream, and anything that is made with milk) eggs peanuts tree nuts (such as walnuts and almonds) soy wheat fish shellfish (such as shrimp, crayfish, lobster, and crab) Note: These food allergens cause more than 90% of all food allergic reactions. However, many other foods have been identified as allergens for some people. Top

Diagnosing Food Allergy If you suspect you have a food allergy, get a medical evaluation. Treatment is basically avoiding the food(s) after the specific food allergy is identified. You should see a board-certified allergist to get a diagnosis, and a dietician to plan the proper diet. Making a diagnosis may include a thorough medical history, analysis of a food diary, and several tests including skin-prick tests, RAST tests (a blood test) and food challenges. Once a diagnosis is complete, an allergist will help set up a response plan that may include taking medication by injection to control allergic reactions.

Treatment for Food Allergies Currently, there are no medications that cure food allergies. Strict avoidance is the only way to prevent a reaction. Once the specific food has been identified, it must be removed from your diet. It is important to read lengthy, detailed ingredient lists on each food you are considering eating. The Food and Drug Administration requires ingredients in a food to appear on its label. You can avoid most food allergens if you read food labels carefully, and avoid restaurant-prepared food that might have ingredients to which you are allergic. Don�t be shy about asking for more information if the menu isn�t clear. Unfortunately, you can�t take a medication in advance to reliably prevent an allergic reaction to a specific food. However, there are several medications that will relieve food allergy symptoms that are not part of an anaphylactic reaction. These include antihistamines to relieve gastrointestinal symptoms, hives, or sneezing and a runny nose, and bronchodilators to relieve asthma symptoms. These medications are taken after you have inadvertently ingested a food to which you are allergic, but are not effective in preventing an allergic reaction when taken prior to eating the food. Note: Randomly taking different food groups out of your diet can cause other health problems. Seek the help of a doctor before making significant changes in your diet.

Other Resources This is just a brief overview. For more information, check out these resources: Read these publications online or order them from FCIC: Food Allergies: When Food Becomes the Enemy Publications available for ordering from our Food Page Publications available for ordering from our Health Page *Websites:** American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology Asthma & Allergy Foundation American Dietetic Association Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network Food and Drug Administration International Food Information Council MedlinePlus National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive & Kidney Diseases National Library of Medicine USDA � Food and Nutrition Information Center * Names of resources and organizations included in this online article are provided as examples only, and their inclusion does not mean that they are endorsed by the Federal Citizen Information Center or any other Government agency. Also, if a particular resource or organization is not mentioned, this does not mean or imply that it is unsatisfactory. If you click on these links, you are leaving FCIC's website. Please bookmark us before you leave so you can return easily. FCIC is not responsible for the content of these websites. Top*

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