WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
An allergic reaction to food is a mistaken attack by the
body's immune system against a substance that other people find
harmless. Food allergies are more common in children than
adults.
Causes
Just about any food can be the
source of an allergic reaction. However, the most common
culprits are cow's milk, eggs, wheat, soybeans, peanuts, fish,
chocolate, shellfish and tree nuts such as walnuts or pecans.
You are at higher risk if you have a family history of food
allergies.
Signs/Symptoms
A mild reaction may produce
diarrhea, stomach pain, gas, or a full feeling in your stomach.
You may develop a skin rash with hives and itching. There may
be nausea and vomiting, a bad headache, or fainting. Swelling
around the mouth is common. In a severe reaction (known
medically as anaphylaxis (AN-uh-fuh-LAX-is)), you may become
congested, lose your breath, and be in danger of
suffocating.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
If you are not sure what caused the reaction, keep a
diary of the foods you have eaten and any symptoms that
followed. Don't eat any of the foods that cause
reactions.
-
If you develop hives or a rash:
-
Take the medicine prescribed for your hives exactly
as your doctor directs.
-
You may use a nonprescription antihistamine. Take
it until the hives have been completely gone for 24
hours.
-
Apply cold compresses to the skin or take baths in
cool water. Don't take hot baths or showers; the warmth
will make the itching worse.
-
Wear loose fitting clothes and avoid tight
underwear.
-
If you are severely allergic:
-
Following a severe reaction, someone will need to
stay with you for 24 hours in case the symptoms
return.
-
You should wear a medic-alert bracelet or necklace
stating the nature of your allergy.
-
Your doctor will suggest you buy an anaphylaxis kit
and will teach you and your family when and how to give
adrenaline shots.
-
If you have had a severe reaction before, always
carry your anaphylaxis kit with you.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You suspect a food allergy. Symptoms usually occur
within 30 minutes of eating, but sometimes take up to 2
hours to appear.
-
The symptoms have not gone away within 2
weeks.
-
You develop new symptoms.
-
You want to retest a child with a food you think
causes an allergic reaction.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
You develop wheezing, a tight feeling in your chest
or throat, a swollen mouth, and difficulty breathing.
THIS IS AN EMERGENCY. Call
0 (operator) or
911 for medical help or have someone drive you to
the nearest emergency room.
-
You develop hives, swelling, or itching ALL OVER your
body.
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