Food allergy
An allergy to food is when you have an adverse physical reaction to a food item after eating it. The most common food allergy is a Peanut Allergy, which affects from 1% - 1.5% of the population. Foods such as peanuts contain very strong allergens that are in the food. Severe reactions caused by food allergy can be life threatening if not treated immediately. There are approximately 150 deaths related to food allergies in the United States each year. Interesting is that food allergies are responsible for more deaths than insect bites as well as reactions to medicines.
One of the most common allergen upsetting small children and infants is the food (ingested allergene). It affects the child’s skin more seriously than inhaled allergens.
Symptoms - food allergy
Some tipicall reactions for food allergy are: cramps, light-headedness, itching and rash, hives, headaches, swelling lips, tingling mouth, shortness of breath and wheezing. Adverse reactions, such as swelling around the mouth or a severe rash, must be immediately treated with emergency antihistamines.
Food allergies preventions
Prevention is always best with food allergies. Prevention is also only treatment available for someone with a food allergy. Person who has food allergy should check food labels and labels on drinks and condiments while grocery shopping to be sure it’s safe before eating. It is also strongly recommended to keep a list of the foods you’re allergic to with you in your wallet or purse as a reminder when dining out.
First aid
When a casualty experiences a severe allergic reaction, they are in a life-threatening situation. Knowing what to do can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency:
1. Assess the individual and immediately call for medical help.
2. Stop any activity and place the casualty in the most comfortable position for breathing - usually sitting upright.
3. If the individual has prescribed medicine with them, help them take a correct dosage.
4. Stay with the casualty until medical help takes over. Monitor vital signs and try to calm and reassure the casualty, as fear and anxiety will make the condition worse.
Write a comment