Food Allergy Information Guide Best Allergy Sites

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Allergy Basics Newly Diagnosed Allergy Information Food Allergy Peanut Allergy Tree Nut Allergy Soy Allergy Egg Allergy Wheat Allergy Dairy Allergy Fish Allergy

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What is a Food Allergy?

A food allergy is defined as an immune system response. If you have a food allergy, your body’s immune system mistakenly recognizes a food protein, or allergen, as an invader and produces antibodies to fight it in an attempt to "protect" the body. A chemical called histamine is then released into the bloodstream and acts on the eyes, nose, throat, lungs, skin, or gastrointestinal tract and causes symptoms of the allergic reaction.

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Intolerance vs. Allergy

Intolerance Reaction to the chemicals in food No immune system response No serious (life-threatening) side-

effects Bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort

Public impression Parental interaction

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Food Allergy FactsWhat the experts say

Doubling of food allergy over the past 10 years, particularly peanut allergy. Latest statistics show continual increase with

peanut allergy as the leading cause

~12 million Americans affected (4%) ~ ½ are peanut and/or tree nut ~3 million school aged children (~8%) Onset at any age

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Food Allergy FactsWhat the experts say

Food allergy is the leading cause of serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) outside the hospital setting.

over 30,000 ER visits per year ~ 175 deaths annually reactions caused most often outside the home

and by products believed to be safe Asthma increases risk of fatal reaction Adolescents and young adults are at the

highest risk

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Food Allergy FactsWhat the experts say

Sensitivity to the allergen can vary For some, a speck of allergen can have the

same effect as eating a large quantity For some, skin contact with the allergen is

enough to cause a reaction For some, inhalation of the allergen can cause

discomfort Sensitivity is truly ‘unknown’

Affected systems can vary between individuals AND reactions

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Food Allergy FactsWhat the experts say

Eight foods account for 90% of all reactions

Peanut Allergy Specific

1/250 of a peanut is enough to trigger a reaction (cutting a peanut in half 125 times!)

Severe allergies are typically life-long

High cross-reactivity to tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, etc.)

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Peanut Allergy Specific

Peanut allergies tend to cause the most severe reactions

Peanut or tree nut allergies and asthma appear to increase the risk for fatal reactions

A study (2001) of 32 cases of fatal food-allergy induced anaphylaxis showed >90% had peanut and tree nut allergies, most had asthma and emergency medication (epinephrine) was not given or not given soon enough.

A more recent study (2007) also showed a large majority of fatalities due to peanuts/tree nuts and asthma.

Estimated that at least ½ of deaths are result of peanut/tree nut

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Allergic Reactions - facts

Severity of reaction can vary from mild to serious and potentially fatal

Previous reactions DO NOT indicate future reactions An unpredictable physiological change occurs

after each exposure

Within a couple minutes to 2 hours after exposure (and in rare cases longer) Once reaction starts, progression can vary Not just a lunch-time event!

Can be biphasic www.bestallergysites.com

Strict Avoidance

No cure for food allergies

Key is helping children avoid allergens Good attitude Careful handling Cross-contamination Label reading Expecting the Unexpected

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Avoiding Cross-Contamination

What to do Require thorough hand washing and teeth

brushing especially if you suspect a student has eaten peanuts/nuts

Clean eating and working areas carefully

Discourage food sharing

Have “safe” snacks and treats from family

Do not allow homemade goodies or home prepared foods (e.g. apples cut at home)

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What NOT to give

If label is ambiguous as to presence of peanut

If no label present

Home baked items

Ice cream

Bakery Items

Imported Foodswww.bestallergysites.com

Expecting the Unexpected

What might contain peanuts/tree nuts?

It’s NOT ONLY in the food!!!

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Signs of an Allergic Reaction

Hives Difficulty Breathing Vomiting Diarrhea Eczema Flare Lightheadedness Swelling

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Emergency Action Plan

Varies for individual child

Action plan should be in place that is SPECIFIC for each allergic child

Know the plan

Know where the medication is located

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THANK YOUYou can make a difference in the life of a food allergic. Please be an advocate.

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