Food Allergy Alley

More than 12 Million Americans have Food Allergies and over 3 million of them are children.
Whether you or a family member has a food allergy or not, help raise awareness of Food Allergies and Help Raise Funds for Research and Programs by taking part in the Food Allergy Walk this Fall.
The Food Allergy Walk was begun by the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network who works throughout the year on initiatives for Food Allergies. The Organization was founded in 1991. See below if there is a Food Allergy Walk near you this Fall and go here to sign up. If not, contact the Food Allergy Walk about starting a walk in your area.
Location Date
California - Los Angeles October 25, 2009
California - San Diego November 7, 2009

Food allergy symptoms vary.  One child may have very mild symptoms, while another child may exhibit life-threatening symptoms.  We should all be aware, and recognize, the symptoms that can present themselves. Reactions can occur within a few minutes or not show up for a few hours until after having contact with the offending food.

Food Allergy Symptoms can affect these four areas of the body:

• Skin -  shows up as Hives, itchy red bumps;  Eczema, redness and swelling of face or extremeties;  Itching & Swelling, lips, tongue or mouth area
• Respiratory -  shows up as Runny or Stuffy nose, Wheezing, Sneezing, Coughing or Shortness of Breath
• Gastrointestional -  shows up as Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Nausea or Vomiting
• Cardiovascular -  shows up as Lightheadedness or Fainting

Antihistamines, such as over-the-counter Benadryl, can sometimes be given to counteract mild allergic symptoms, but any suspected food allergy should be checked out with your child's doctor.

Food Allergies can produce Severe Allergic Reactions .  If your child has any of these Signs & Symptoms you should seek Emergengy Medical Treatment immediately:

A food allergy is caused when your body mistakes a particular food as harmful.  The body then releases histamines that cause an allergic reaction, presenting with one of the symptoms of allergic reaction.  Food allergies in young children are more common than in adults and many children outgrow some of the food allergies.        

The eight most common allergens, for children, represent 90% of all reactions in children:

Milk

Eggs

Peanuts

Soy

Wheat

Tree Nuts  (nuts that grow on trees, such as Walnuts)

Fish

Shellfish

Although many children outgrow food allergies, those with allergies to Peanuts and Tree Nuts rarely do.  

If your child has a known food allergy it will be imperative for you to read labels on food products to make sure your child does not ingest the offending foods.  Caregivers and teachers, even their little friends, should know exactly what they can and cannot eat. 

See additional post regarding Symptoms of Food Allergies.