Allergies affect lives of millions of people around 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

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 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 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 digestive process. As a result, they enter bloodstream and cause

allergic reactions throughout 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 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. Common Symptoms of Food Allergies Symptoms of food allergy differ greatly among individuals. They can also differ in same

person during different exposures. Allergic reactions to food can vary in severity, time of

onset, and may be affected by when 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 throat, difficulty breathing,

lowered blood pressure and unconsciousness. Symptoms usually appear rapidly, sometimes within minutes of exposure to allergen. Seek immediate medical attention – standard emergency treatment often includes an injection of

epinephrine (adrenaline) to open up airway and blood vessels.

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Most Common Food Allergens The eight most common food allergens include:

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