A food allergy is when a person's immune system produces antibodies to a particular food protein that it believes is harmful. When an individual eats that food, their immune system releases chemicals, including histamine, in order to protect the body.
Foods that are commonly responsible for allergic reactions in people include: milk, eggs, peanut, tree nuts (walnuts, cashews etc...), fish, wheat, shellfish and soy. Some of the most common allergic reactions include eczema, asthma and hay fever and in severe cases, anaphylactic shock.
How Prevalent are peanut food allergies?
Peanut allergy is the second most common allergy in children and is on the increase. It occurs in about 1 in 50 children and 1 in 200 adults.
Can anything be done to manage peanut allergy and prevent a reaction?
Here are some tips from the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Allergy Unit:
- Avoid all peanut butter and other significant peanut products in the care environment. This avoidance policy should extend to no peanut butter kept on the premises because of surface and other food contamination during preparation and consumption.
- Eat home-prepared food where possible. Always carry a supply of safe food when traveling.
- Always read all labels very carefully every time food is purchased as ingredients may change. Under the Australian Food Standards code, it's mandatory to declare the presence of peanut on food labels.
- Advise family, party hosts and caterers well in advance of your allergies and that the risk extends to contaminated cooking surfaces and serving bowls. Advise them about problem foods and safe alternatives.
- Always carry an epipen® and make sure that those you are with are aware of your allergies and the need to administer the epipen should you be unable to do so. An adult carer should always assume the responsibility for administering an epipen.
- Educate all carers about the signs of an anaphylactic reaction and have an Action Plan in the event of an accidental contact reaction.
- Wear a medic alert bracelet.
- Never leave a group to go to the bathroom on your own if you have symptoms of a food allergy reaction.
- Keep a check on the expiry date of the epipen and replace when necessary
There are a number of tests that are promoted as being able to diagnose and treat a food allergy. Unfortunately, most of these methods are not supported by scientific evidence and as such are considered unreliable. Some of these diagnostic tests and treatments include Kinesiology, ALCAT blood testing, Iridology, Hair analysis, Acupuncture and Reflexology.
For a firm diagnosis of a true food allergy, an immunologist needs to conduct a skin prick test or a blood test (RAST or radioallergosorbent test) to detect if someone has antibodies to the common food allergens.
For more information on Food Allergies visit The Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Allergy Unit website http://www.cs.nsw.gov.au/rpa/allergy/
