Food Allergies: Watching What You Eat
An estimated 14 million Americans suffer from food allergies. That’s about four percent of adults and six to eight percent of children in the United States. Unfortunately, food allergies are on the rise. Peanut allergies in children tripled from 1987 to 2008, for example.
There are more than 160 foods that can cause an allergic reaction. However, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there are eight basic foods that account for more than 90 percent of food allergies.
If you think you or a family member may have a food allergy, talk to your doctor. A simple skin prick test or blood test is usually the first step to determine exactly what food allergies you may have.
Symptoms Vary
A food allergy occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the food protein. In most cases, the symptoms are relatively mild: a rash, itching, swelling or a tingling sensation in the mouth. But sometimes the symptoms can be much more severe—vomiting, hives, abdominal cramps, diarrhea— even life-threatening. For example, the swelling of the tongue or throat can become so severe that it blocks the airways and restricts breathing, causing a loss of consciousness and even death if medical attention is not sought.
When To Call 911
If someone has an allergic food reaction, call 911 or take the person immediately to the nearest emergency room if they are having difficulty breathing, appear to be in shock, have lost consciousness or are drifting in and out of consciousness.