Wednesday, October 28, 2009

More Food Allergy News

Remember to read food labels carefully if you have reactions to foods.

Today (Oct.27th 2009) the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) issued an allergy alert on undeclared peanuts in Dove Caramel Pecan Perfection ice cream, as it may contain undeclared peanuts and therefore people who suffer from an allergy to peanuts may be adversely affected by consuming it.

Approximately 4% to 8% of children and 2% of adults in the United States suffer from food allergies, and their numbers are rising. Risk factors associated with developing a food allergy include: A family history of allergies, elevated Immunoglobulin E concentrations, and being younger than 3 years old.

The foods that are most commonly associated with food allergies are cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, soybeans, and wheat.

A severe allergy that may be life-threatening is usually classified as an anaphylactic-type allergic reaction. Many of those who suffer from nut allergies have this type of exaggerated reaction to them.

Anaphylaxis is a severe and sometimes fatal allergic reaction that presents as itching, redness, hives, wheezing, dizziness and, as it progresses (usually very rapidly) swelling of the tongue, lips and face, shock and respiratory difficulty (sometimes not all these symptoms are present, though). It requires immediate medical attention which may involve administration of epinephrine and giving of Oxygen to the patient.

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