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In America six million peolpe have food allergies; many of them are children. The most common allergy-causing foods are peanuts, tree nuts (walnuts, pecans), milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, wheat, and soy. A recent study showed that over 3 million Americans are allergic to peanuts and tree nuts.
A lot of kids have questions about food allergies. Here are some of the things they are asking:
What is a food allergy?
Food allergies occur when the body thinks a food is harmful. The immune system tries to fight it off by releasing massive amounts of chemicals and histamine (HISS-TUH-MEEN). These chemicals trigger the allergic symptoms. So, you can say allergic reactions are caused by an overactive immune system.
- What are some of the symptoms of food allergy?
The most common symptom of a food-allergy reaction is hives. Other symptoms can include one or more of the following:
- tingling in the mouth
- swelling in the tongue and throat
- difficulty breathing
- abdominal cramps
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- eczema
Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe allergic reaction that involves several of the symptoms listed above, as well as difficulty breathing, drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness. In rare cases, it can cause death in a matter of minutes.
- How can I treat these symptoms?
Your doctor will tell you what kind of medicine you need to take.
Is there a cure for it?
Currently, there is no cure for food allergies; however, the research being conducted looks promising!
How can I prevent a reaction from happening?
Strictly avoiding the food that triggers your allergy is the only way to prevent a reaction.
Food Allergy Basics Quiz
We bet you are very smart and know a lot about food allergies. Take the quiz below to find out just how much you know! When you have answered all of the questions, discuss your answers with your parents or other trusted adults.
1. The eight most common foods that cause food allergies are milk, eggs, _____, wheat, _____, shellfish, tree nuts, and peanuts.
2. Food allergies occur when the body thinks a food is:
a) bitter b) harmful c) purple
3. Allergic reactions are caused by an overactive immune system. True or False?
4. The most common symptom of a food allergy reaction is:
a) your big toe turning yellow b) hiccups c) hives
5. The only way to avoid a reaction is to (Circle one) : eat / NOT eat the food that contains the allergen you are allergic to.
6. Which of the following foods contain milk?
a) cheese b) pudding c) ice cream d) all of them
7. It is important to read the ingredient labels on pet food the same way you read food labels. True or False?
8. Someone who has a reaction when he eats walnuts, pecans, and cashews is allergic to _____ _____ (2 words)
9. Someone who broke out in hives, had trouble breathing, the time she ate New England Clam Chowder and fried shrimp is probably allergic to:
a) fish b) the color blue c) shellfish
10. Most of the people who have food allergies are:
a) adults b) children c) basketball fans
Answers: 1) soy, fish, 2) b, 3) True, 4) c, 5) Not eat, 6) c, 7) True, 8) tree nuts, 9) c, 10) b |
