Prepare. Prevent. Protect.

Allergy Ally was established to increase food allergy literacy, and create a safer environment for individuals suffering from food allergies.

FOOD ALLERGY FACTS

Food Allergies are a growing public health crisis. More than 150 foods can cause an allergic reaction. Over 50 percent of adults and 40 percent of children suffering from food allergies have experienced a severe reaction. Reactions to food allergens can range from mild to severe life threatening Anaphylaxis.Food allergies are unaffected by geopolitical events, economic conditions, or global pandemics. People with food allergies must rely on strict allergen avoidance and public trust to avoid an allergic reaction.

WHAT IS A FOOD ALLERGY?

A food allergy is a serious immune system reaction triggered by certain foods or other allergens. Food allergies can develop at any age. Food allergy reactions can be mild to fatal Anaphylaxis. The cause of food allergies is unknown. Food allergies are increasing at an exponential rate.There is no cure for food allergies.

FOOD ALLERGENS

More than 150 foods can cause a serious and potentially fatal reaction. The nine most common food allergens cause more than 90 percent of all allergic reactions. The Big Nine most common food allergens are Egg, Fish, Milk, Peanut, Sesame, Shellfish, Soy, Tree Nut, and Wheat. Severe reactions can occur by less common allergen triggers include Insect Stings, Spices, Seeds, Meat, Fruits, Vegetables, Food Additives, Sweeteners, Medicines, Health Products, Latex, and Metals.

SYMPTOMS

Allergic reactions to food can occur in just minutes or be delayed by many hours. Often, food intolerance's are interpreted as an allergic reaction to food. Food intolerance's affect the gastrointestinal system and are usually not life threatening. Food allergies affect the immune system, and can cause severe life threatening reactions. Allergic reactions to food can affect the skin, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, and cardiovascular system.Mild food allergy reactions include but are not limited to: Hives, swelling, Eczema, rash, stomach pain, nausea, and dry cough.Severe food allergy reactions include but are not limited to: Trouble swallowing, loss of consciousness, swelling of throat, chest pain, weak pulse, passing out, and anaphylaxis.

DESCRIBED SYMPTOMS

Often, when a child experiences a symptom related to a food allergy reaction, they may describe what they are feeling in non-medical terms. Descriptions of their symptoms may include: Tongue is tingling, tongue itches, tongue is hot or burning, tongue feels heavy, tongue feels heavy, tongue feels like there is hair on it, mouth feels itchy, mouth feels funny, frog in my throat, something is poking my tongue, bumps on the back of my tongue, something stuck in my throat, lips feel tight, and throat feels thick. A food allergy safety plan must be engaged if descriptions of symptoms are spoken by a child or adult.

ANAPHYLAXIS

Anaphylaxis is a potentially fatal allergic reaction whereby symptoms could be categorized as mild to severe. Every symptom should be responded to as if it were a severe reaction to avoid death. Anaphylaxis can be caused by a microscopic amount of an allergen. The reaction may take place immediately or many hours after allergen contact.Common symptoms of Anaphylaxis include: Skin - warmth, swelling, redness, itching, and hives; Respiratory - Fever like symptoms, nasal congestion, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, chest pain, chest tightness, throat tightness, and trouble swallowing; Gastrointestinal - Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, stomach cramps, and diarrhea; Cardiovascular - Fain, light headed, weak pulse, shock, loss of consciousness, and blue in color; Other Symptoms - Anxiety, feeling of impending doom, and headache.

TREATMENT

There is no cure for food allergies. Epinephrine has been the most effective medication to remedy the immediate symptoms of Anaphylaxis when administered quickly. It is imperative that the expiration date is at least 1 year from purchase date. Prevention is the best defense in avoiding an adverse allergy reaction.

DINING OUT

Individuals with allergies to food face a challenge every day in avoiding harmful food allergens. Food Allergies are as serious as Salmonella, E. Coli, Hepatitis A, Norwalk Virus, or any other food-borne illness. Restaurants have the responsibility to serve food in a safe manner that does not harm it's patrons.Safety conscious restaurants will have enacted policies and procedures that focus on: Communication between guest and all staff, staff knowing which ingredients contain a guests allergen to avoid, following proper preparation guidelines, avoiding cross contact with an allergen, and the management lead care team following a checklist of all safety protocols to ensure the guest has a safe dining experience.

PREVENTION

People with food allergies must rely on strict allergen avoidance and public trust to avoid an allergic reaction. There are individuals in every community that do not believe food allergies are a serious health concern. Food allergies are often misconstrued as a vanity dieting nuisance. When food is a weapon, individuals suffering with a food allergy must diligently navigate ingredients, dining establishments, human obstructions, and their community in order to stay alive.

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