Vital Food Allergy Facts

There are many myths and misconceptions about food allergies. If you, or your child, are diagnosed with a food allergy, it may seem like there’s an awful lot of information to absorb and learn to stay healthy. How many of these facts did you know?

• Food allergies are a real, immune-system response. In any food allergy, the immune system misinterprets a food as an unwelcome invader and releases chemicals to protect the body from harm. Symptoms may include hives, vomiting, diarrhea, or respiratory distress.

• A food allergy may be life threatening. It is estimated that as many as 200 people die every year as a result of allergic reactions to food.

• Despite popular opinion, food additives and artificial flavors account for a minority of food allergies. It is natural foods that cause 90 percent of allergic reactions—including peanuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, tree nuts, fish, and crustacean shellfish.

• While you may have heard that each allergic reaction to food becomes progressively worse, the true severity of a reaction is based upon several factors, including the amount of food ingested. Food-allergic individuals may experience a mild or severe reaction, and may not be able to anticipate severity.

If you would like to address your food allergies and enjoy a personalized treatment plan to enjoy a better quality of life, make an appointment with Covenant Allergy and Asthma today!