Anaphylaxis is an extreme allergic reaction by the body’s immune system and can be life-threatening. It is an emergency, and must be dealt with immediately.
Many anaphylactics (people with anaphylaxis) carry an EpiPen or other type of pre-loaded injection kit containing epinephrine (adrenaline) which is to be used at the first sign of an allergic attack (see http://www.epipen.com/). However, using an EpiPen is only a temporary fix, and immediate medical help must be sought – Call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.
All allergies, including food allergies, are the result of the body’s immune system reacting to a substance that it sees as harmful. Problems occur when the immune system incorrectly interprets an otherwise harmless substance as an allergen, and the body’s defenses kick in. Reasons for the immune system’s misinterpretation are various, and much medical research is being done to identify both causes and solutions.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis can vary, but usually begin with seconds of coming into contact with an allergen. Beginning symptoms of food-induced anaphylaxis could include:
· tingling sensation, itching, burning, or metallic taste in the mouth
· ulcers of the mouth and throat
· difficulty breathing
Other symptoms can include:
· hives or rash anywhere on the body
· swelling of the mouth, throat, and head area
· difficulty breathing
· vomiting and diarrhea
· cramping
· decrease in blood pressure
· loss of consciousness
There is an important distinction between food allergies – which can cause anaphylaxis – and food sensitivities, which are not life-threatening but can indicate that the body is reacting negatively to a certain food or substance in a food. Symptoms of food sensitivities can sometimes mimic certain allergy symptoms, such as stomach upset, decrease in blood pressure, cramping, itching, tingling, or hives. Other symptoms of food sensitivity can include headaches, dizziness, joint pain, and lethargy. Symptoms of food sensitivities can vary greatly from one individual to another, and often a recurring symptom is not initially correlated to the consumption of a certain food. Because reactions to food can have numerous causes other than allergies, it is best to speak with your doctor about symptoms, testing and diagnosis.
Anyone diagnosed with a food allergy that can cause anaphylaxis should make sure that people around them know of this condition; one effective method is to wear a “MedicAlert” bracelet or necklace at all times (see http://www.medicalert.org/). Family members, co-workers, teachers, neighbors, friends, and any other significant people in one’s life should be made aware of this condition and what to do in the case of an anaphylactic reaction.
While there is no complete list of which foods can cause anaphylaxis nor which people are likely to be anaphylactic, there are several foods which are considered common allergens (see below), and several more foods which are becoming more suspect in recent years. It is worth noting that both food sensitivities and food allergies can be induced or aggravated by frequent consumption of a food; the larger the variety of foods eaten, the less likely this will occur.
In the United States Canada
Furthermore, foods that are within the same “food family” can sometimes be allergens (for example, Solanaceae is the nightshade family and includes tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes, and bell peppers, so an allergy to one of those may extend to others in that group); however, some people report no adverse reaction to other members of a food family even when it contains one or more foods to which they are allergic. Some people also find that they are less likely to be allergic to members of food families that contain few members or rarely-consumed members (for example, the persimmon is the only member of the Diospyros food family). Again, knowledgeable investigation and advice from your medical doctor is the best first step in addressing concerns about food allergies or sensitivities.
