A growing health epidemic.
According to the CDC, food allergies are a growing food safety and public health concern that can affect an estimate 4-6% of children in the United States.1 That’s why its important to be ready and aware of the possible reactions to the growing list of allergens.
The cause of food allergies is still unknown. Sometimes, people can grow out of their allergies. Food allergies occur when the body has an immune response to certain foods and foreign bodies.
Symptoms
Symptoms can include:
- chest tightness, trouble breathing
- swelling of the face
- hives
- red, itchy skin
- stuffy or watery nose
- itchy, watery eyes
- vomiting, cramps or diarrhea
- tightness of the throat or feeling that something is in throat
Usually, the immune system functions to protect people from germs, but in the case of food allergies, the immune system response reacts as though these items were harmful.2
Common Allergens
Eight foods or food groups account for 90% of serious allergic reactions in the United States:3
- Peanuts
- Treenuts
- Milk
- Eggs
- Soy
- Wheat
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Sesame
The symptoms and severity of allergic reactions to food can vary between individuals and can change with a person over time. The most severe reaction is Anaphylaxis, a sudden and severe allergic reaction that may cause death.4
1 2 3“Healthy Schools.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 14 Feb. 2018, www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/foodallergies/index.htm.