Did you Know?..Food Allergies:
Food allergies should be taken seriously; every year more people die of allergic reactions to food than allergic reactions caused by insect stings.
The most common food allergens are cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish and tree nuts.
- A recent study showed that up to 25% of adults believe they have a food allergy; but, scientific studies have shown that in reality only about 2% truly do.
- Up to 5% of children have food allergies; most will outgrow their allergies, although allergy to peanuts, shellfish and tree nuts may be lifelong.
- There is no proven relationship between ADD or ADHD and food allergies.
- Allergic symptoms can begin within minutes to one hour after ingesting the food.
- Symptoms of food allergy include: vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, hives, eczema, swelling, itching or swelling of the lips, itchiness or tightness in the throat, and difficulty breathing.
- There is no cure for food allergies; strict avoidance of the food is the only way to prevent a reaction.
- Epi-Pen can be given to control symptoms after a reaction occurs. If your doctor prescribes an Epi-Pen for you, keep it with you at all times.
