1 in every 17 children in the U.S. has a food allergy
About 4 million U.S. children (under 18 years of age) are now affected by food allergies. That’s roughly two in every classroom.
Immune system reaction
It’s important to know the symptoms of a food allergy reaction and how to quickly treat it.
No cure for food allergies yet
Researchers are studying possible treatments for food allergies, but there is no cure for food allergies yet. Treatments like oral immunotherapy (OIT) may provide some protection.
Timing of food allergy reactions
An allergic reaction to food happens soon after eating the food. The symptoms can worsen quickly. There are also some types of rare food allergies where the reaction may be delayed two to six hours after eating.
Milk, egg, and peanut are the most common food allergies in children
Kids can be allergic to many different foods. The most common food allergies in kids are milk, eggs, and peanuts.
Most common food allergens
The most common food allergies in children are milk, eggs, and peanuts. For adults, the most common are tree nuts, peanuts, shellfish, fish, and fruits (oral allergy syndrome).
Hand sanitizer will not remove food proteins
Hand sanitizer does not remove food proteins. Always use soap and water or wipes to clean hands or surfaces. https://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/blog/hand-washing-vs-hand-sanitizer-protecting-your-family-from-covid-19-and-other-illnesses
Symptoms of anaphylaxis
A severe allergic reaction typically involves symptoms from two or more body systems. Kids and adults may describe these symptoms differently. Prompt delivery of epinephrine helps to stop the symptoms quickly.
Tips for preparing food
Cross-contact occurs when a food allergen comes in contact with food or an item not intended to contain that allergen.
Oral allergy syndrome
Some proteins found in raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds are similar to the proteins in pollens. This can cause your immune system to get confused and start an allergic reaction known as oral allergy syndrome or pollen food allergy syndrome.
Treat food allergy anaphylaxis quickly
Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis. It’s important to feel confident about when and how to use your self-injectable epinephrine.
Be prepared for anaphylaxis
Review your anaphylaxis action plan to know when to use your epinephrine auto-injector. Review the training video and practice with the trainer for your device.
Most common food allergies in adults
Food allergies can develop at any age. Food allergies that begin in adulthood are usually life-long.
Food allergies can develop at any age
Food allergies can develop at any age. A food allergy is when the body’s immune system sees a certain as harmful and reacts against it.
How food allergies are diagnosed
There are many steps involved to diagnose a food allergy. First, an allergist will take a careful history of what happened when you/your child ate the suspected food. Then skin, blood, or oral food challenge tests may be ordered to help confirm diagnosis.
Avoid unproven food allergy tests
There are tests that claim to provide accurate “food allergy testing.” These tests claim to reveal “hidden allergies” that medical allergy tests cannot detect. These tests are not scientifically proven and not recommended to diagnose a food allergy.