Food Allergies and Anaphylaxis - KFL&A Public Health

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What is a food allergy? A food allergy is a response of the immune system to a component of food (a food “allergen”), usually a protein that the immune system recognizes as “foreign” to the body. The most common food allergens in Canada are: peanuts, tree nuts, fish (including shellfish), wheat, eggs, soy, milk, sesame seeds, and sulphites. What is anaphylaxis? Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic response to an allergen. It involves several body systems and can lead to death if untreated. Anaphylaxis may be caused by food, insect stings, latex, and medications. What about food intolerance? A food intolerance is not the same as a food allergy. Food intolerances can cause problems for people in ways that do not involve the immune system. Examples include lactose intolerance and gluten intolerance (celiac disease). Although not life-threatening, a food intolerance requires dietary modifications to avoid discomfort and risk for nutrient deficiencies. Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: itching and irritation of the skin (e.g. hives, rash), swelling of the throat, tongue, lips, or face, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness, feelings of impending doom. Where can I find more information? Anaphylaxis Canada E-mail: info@anaphylaxis.ca Web: www.anaphylaxis.org A national, non-profit organization for people with life threatening allergies. Provides a wide variety of allergyrelated resources, as well as a newsletter and food-alert bulletins. Allergy/Asthma Information Association (AAIA) E-mail: admin@aaia.ca Web: www.aaia.ca A national non-profit organization for people affected by allergy, asthma, and anaphylaxis. Provides a variety of print and web resources, as well as a newsletter and links to allergen-related activities across Canada. Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) E-mail: faan@foodallergy.org Web: www.foodallergy.org The largest food allergy association in the world. Offers a wide variety of print and web resources including books, brochures, recipes, and videos.
How can we prevent an allergic reaction? When eating out: Ask about the ingredients and the way food is prepared before you order. Even if the restaurant is part of a chain, ingredients may differ between locations. Restaurants bearing an Allergy Aware sticker will have a senior staff member on each shift who can answer your questions about ingredients. Order simply prepared foods such as baked potatoes, steamed vegetables, and broiled meat. They are less likely to have allergen-containing ingredients. Avoid buffets. There is a high risk for cross-contamination. Be especially cautious of the ingredients in ethnic foods, sauces, muffins, and desserts. If a staff member is unsure of the ingredient, or you are not 100% confident that a food is allergen-free, order something else. How do I handle an allergic reaction? It is important to respond to an allergic reaction quickly. Be sure to talk with your child or teen about how to be prepared for a possible reaction. Make an emergency plan and share it with caregivers, friends, and other acquaintances. Food allergies can be life-threatening. A person with a milk allergy must avoid all milk protein—even the small amount found in a slice of bread. A person with lactose intolerance may be able to tolerate milk products such as cheese, yogurt, and modified milk. Is there a cure for allergies? No. The only “treatment” for a food allergy is avoidance of all products containing the allergen. Will my child outgrow this allergy? Not likely. Young children with allergies to milk, eggs, wheat, or soy may outgrow a food allergy. Allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish are less likely to be outgrown. Talk to your doctor or allergist for more information. Never re-introduce an allergen-containing food without approval from your allergist. How can we prevent an allergic reaction? When away from home: Inform friends, relatives, and acquaintances about the food allergy. Carry prescribed medications and have an emergency plan available in case of a reaction. Know how to use an autoinjector if prescribed.
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