Food Allergies

Quiz

Peanuts are a type of nut. True or False?
More than 11,000,000 Americans have food allergies. True or False?

Quiz Answers

False – Peanuts are not nuts. Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) is actually a bean/legume vine plant that grows underground.
True – More than 11,000,000 Americans have food allergies of varying degrees of severity – at least 8% of children less than 3 years of age and 2% of the adult population in the United States.

(For more info visit www.foodallergyinitiative.org )

Signs of an Allergic Reaction

Itching & swelling of the lips, tongue, or mouth
Itching and/or a sense of tightness in the throat
Hoarseness
Hacking cough
Hives, itchy rash, and/or swelling about the face
Nausea, abdominal cramps, and/or vomiting
Shortness of breath, repetitive coughing, and/or wheezing
Congested, runny nose
Thready pulse, “passing out”
Feeling of doom

Some Hidden Sources of Peanuts

Ice cream
Candy
Vegetarian burgers
Baking mixes
Cereals
Crackers
Pesto
Chocolate
Sauces – peanuts can often used as a thicken agent
Marzipan
Soups – especially dried soups

Food Allergies 101

What is a food allergy?

A food allergy is an adverse reaction to a food that is triggered by the body’s immune system. During a reaction, the body releases chemicals that can affect the respiratory system, the gastrointestinal system, the cardiovascular system, and the skin.

What is anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Common causes of anaphylaxis include: food, insect stings, latex, and medication.

What foods can people be allergic to?

The most common foods that people are allergic to include: Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Eggs, Shellfish, Fin Fish, Milk, Soy, and Wheat.

How can food allergies be treated?

The best way to prevent a reaction is to avoid the food that causes signs and symptoms. People at risk for anaphylaxis may carry a medication called epinephrine, often called an Epi-Pen, which can be injected if a reaction occurs.

(Source: www.mayoclinic.com )