Food Allergies and Anaphylaxis - KFL&A Public Health
Food Allergies and Anaphylaxis - KFL&A Public Health
Food Allergies and Anaphylaxis - KFL&A Public Health
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What is a food allergy?<br />
A food allergy is a response of the immune system to a<br />
component of food (a food “allergen”), usually a protein<br />
that the immune system recognizes as “foreign” to the<br />
body.<br />
The most common food allergens in<br />
Canada are: peanuts, tree nuts, fish<br />
(including shellfish), wheat, eggs, soy,<br />
milk, sesame seeds, <strong>and</strong> sulphites.<br />
What is anaphylaxis?<br />
<strong>Anaphylaxis</strong> is a severe allergic response to an allergen.<br />
It involves several body systems <strong>and</strong> can lead to death<br />
if untreated. <strong>Anaphylaxis</strong> may be caused by food, insect<br />
stings, latex, <strong>and</strong> medications.<br />
What about food intolerance?<br />
A food intolerance is not the same as a food allergy.<br />
<strong>Food</strong> intolerances can cause problems for people in<br />
ways that do not involve the immune system. Examples<br />
include lactose intolerance <strong>and</strong> gluten intolerance<br />
(celiac disease). Although not life-threatening, a food<br />
intolerance requires dietary modifications to avoid<br />
discomfort <strong>and</strong> risk for nutrient deficiencies.<br />
Signs <strong>and</strong> symptoms of an allergic reaction:<br />
itching <strong>and</strong> irritation of the skin (e.g. hives, rash),<br />
swelling of the throat, tongue, lips, or face,<br />
wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath,<br />
nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps,<br />
drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness,<br />
feelings of impending doom.<br />
Where can I find more information?<br />
<strong>Anaphylaxis</strong> Canada<br />
E-mail: info@anaphylaxis.ca<br />
Web: www.anaphylaxis.org<br />
A national, non-profit organization for people with life<br />
threatening allergies. Provides a wide variety of allergyrelated<br />
resources, as well as a newsletter <strong>and</strong> food-alert<br />
bulletins.<br />
Allergy/Asthma Information Association (AAIA)<br />
E-mail: admin@aaia.ca<br />
Web: www.aaia.ca<br />
A national non-profit organization for people affected<br />
by allergy, asthma, <strong>and</strong> anaphylaxis. Provides a variety<br />
of print <strong>and</strong> web resources, as well as a newsletter <strong>and</strong><br />
links to allergen-related activities across Canada.<br />
<strong>Food</strong> Allergy <strong>and</strong> <strong>Anaphylaxis</strong> Network (FAAN)<br />
E-mail: faan@foodallergy.org<br />
Web: www.foodallergy.org<br />
The largest food allergy association in the world. Offers<br />
a wide variety of print <strong>and</strong> web resources including<br />
books, brochures, recipes, <strong>and</strong> videos.