Food Allergy Awareness Week takes place between May 10th and May 18th. It is a week dedicated to raising awareness about food allergies, which is a serious public health issue.
A food allergy occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly treats proteins found in certain foods as harmful and reacts by causing allergic symptoms, which can range from mild to severe. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
- Anaphylaxis
- Hives or a skin rash
- An itchy sensation in the mouth, throat, or ears
- Swelling of the face, around the eyes, lips, tongue, or throat
- Stomach pain, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Shortness of breath, trouble breathing, or wheezing
Severe symptoms that affect multiple parts of the body are called anaphylaxis. This allergic reaction is life-threatening. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Swelling of the throat
- Drop in blood pressure
It is imperative that anaphylaxis is recognized and treated right away with epinephrine to provide the best chance for improvement.
There are two types of food allergies, immunoglobulin E-mediated and cell-mediated.
Immunoglobulin-E-mediated food allergy is the most common type of food allergy and is triggered by the body’s immune system, which makes antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). Symptoms occur within minutes of eating food. Examples of allergies that cause IgE antibodies include:
- Peanut allergy
- Milk allergy
- Egg allergy
- Shellfish allergy
- Fish allergy
- Tree nut allergy
- Wheat allergy
- Soy allergy
- Sesame allergy
Cell-mediated food allergy isn’t caused by IgE antibodies but immune cells from other parts of the body. This allergic reaction is caused by delayed hypersensitivity symptoms.
Food allergies affect 20 million adults and children in the U.S. and millions more globally.
Children are commonly associated with food allergies. However, anyone can develop a food allergy at any age, as many adults can develop food allergies without ever having a prior history of having them.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for food allergies. The only way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid the food to which you are allergic.
Food allergies are diagnosed when your healthcare provider performs tests to determine if you have them. Tests may include:
- Blood tests
- A skin-prick test
- A special diet that avoids eating the food you may be allergic to, to see if your symptoms get better
Treatments for food allergies include medicines to help manage your symptoms or to use in case there is an emergency. They include:
- Antihistamines for mild allergic reactions
- Emergency medicines for severe allergic reactions, called autoinjectors, such as an EpiPen
At Jamaica Hospital, a leading allergist can diagnose your allergy-related condition. We provide consultations to patients who experience allergic reactions to medications, foods, and other substances. If you would like to make an appointment, please call (718) 206-6742 or (718) 206-7001. Dial 911 if there is an emergency.
FollowAll content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.