Food and Peanut Allergies
Protect Those With Peanut Allergies and Other Food Allergies Did you know that Peanut Allergies and other food allergies are a recipe for disaster? For some it may cause only mild symptoms, but for others, it can cause death. In fact, the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network reports that this allergic reaction to peanuts reportedly leads to 15,000 emergency room visits each year and causes approximately 100 deaths annually. Food Allergy Warning Signs Here are some symptoms of food allergies to watch for when a peanut allergy strikes.
These symptoms can be treated with an over-the-counter (OTC) medication such as an antihistamine, like Benadryl. Antihistamines work by countering (anti) the effects of the chemical (histamine) released by immune system cells when they encounter an allergen. In more serious cases, you should seek emergency medical care immediately. Warning signs include a tightening feeling in your throat, trouble breathing and loss of consciousness. If you have a history of peanut allergies, your medical provider may have already prescribed you an epinephrine auto-injector (also called EpiPen) in case of emergency. This YouTube video explains how to use an EpiPen safely and correctly. Possible Allergy Sources The best way to protect your health and your life is to be educated. You will need to know exactly what types of foods could make you sick. Some common offenders include:
Just keep in mind that these are only a few of the many items that are made from nuts or have some relationship to nut products. Your doctor can help you develop a more thorough list and can give you some guidelines to follow. It's also important to remember that even non-nut items may be processed on the same machinery as those used for nuts, so even this little bit of exposure could be too much for some allergy sufferers. In addition, even coming in contact with others who have touched or eaten a peanut product could cause you to have a reaction. Therefore, make sure to let everyone around you know about your condition and the risks involved. This can help you to stay safe and avoid any problems. What is Anaphylaxis? If you have an allergic reaction, you could also go into Anaphylaxis, the most severe form of allergic reaction. According to Anaphylaxis Australia, Anaphylaxis is potentially life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. The allergic symptoms can start to show 20 minutes after exposure to the triggering substance, and affect several areas of the body, making it hard to breathe and keeping your blood from circulating normally. Other common allergen triggers are allergies to insect stings, medications, or latex. Although anyone who has a food allergy can experience Anaphylaxis, the foods most likely to cause a severe reaction are peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish. People who have both asthma and a food allergy are at greater risk for Anaphylaxis. More Food for Thought What about other conditions that disrupt people's lives, such as Constipation, Diarrhea, IBS, Crohn's Disease, Celiac Disease, symptoms of lactose intolerance? What about chlorine allergies? Could food intolerance and chemical sensitivity simply be the result of the food additives and man made chemicals we eat, drink, inhale and absorb everyday?
|
