Grand Rapids Allergy - Food Allergies

Food allergies can range from mild to severe. Mild food allergies, or allergies that are unlikely to produce life-threatening reactions, can quietly decrease a person's overall quality of life as they live with distressing symptoms on a regular basis without seeking treatment.

Life-threatening reactions (anaphylaxis) to foods are rare, but may occur in children and adolescents as well as adults. Studies have shown that more food-related deaths occur in areas away from parents and the home setting, such as at school or local fairs. Recognition of warning signs is crucial, as is early administration of epinephrine. Most fatal reactions occur when epinephrine has not been administered early in a reaction.

Many severe allergic food reactions involve an accidental ingestion. Most common reactions involve candy, cookies, and pastries. Most severe reactions are to peanuts, tree nuts (such as cashew, almond), eggs, or milk, and in adults, also seafood. The severity of symptoms can change quickly.

Serious allergic reactions may include:

• Mouth: Itching and swelling of lips, tongue, or mouth
• Throat:* Itching, tightness in throat, hoarseness, hacking cough, swelling, difficulty talking
• Skin: Hives, itchy rash, swelling of face or extremities
• Stomach: Nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, diarrhea
• Lungs:* Shortness of breath, repetitive cough, wheezing
• Heart:* Weak pulse, passing out

*These symptoms can potentially progress to a life-threatening situation.

People who have experienced reactions to foods should see a board-certified allergist/immunologist. One of the primary purposes of this meeting is to identify whether you or your symptomatic child is at risk for severe reactions and outline a treatment program and anaphylaxis action plan. Seeing an allergist will take the anxiety out of deciding what to eat, give you confidence that you are prepared in case of an emergency, and help you live life feeling well.