Food allergies-Be SAFE!

The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) announces the eighth annual National Food Allergy Awareness Week May 8-14. This year's theme, "Be SAFE-Symptoms matter, Act quickly, Food label reading a must, Educate others," is part of FAAN's major education and awareness initiative to ensure that Americans with food allergies develop a healthy and safe lifestyle, and that others around them understand the serious nature of food allergies.

FAAN, a patient advocacy group, estimates that 11 million people in the United States-roughly one-in-twenty-five Americans-are now believed to be affected by food allergy, a disease triggered by the ingestion of, or contact with, certain foods that may cause life-threatening reactions, or anaphylaxis. Currently, there is no cure for food allergies. Strict avoidance is the only way to prevent a reaction.

"The 2005 Food Allergy Awareness Week campaign kicks off on Mother's Day, such an appropriate day to salute all those mothers of children with food allergies who do so much to educate others in order to keep their children safe," said Anne Munoz-Furlong, CEO and founder of FAAN. "For those with food allergies, reading food labels, identification of symptoms, and quick use of medicine when needed can mean the difference between life or death. Another part of the safety equation is educating others; friends and other family members can work to keep those with food allergies safe. Cooperation from others is an important part of managing food allergies. With support and understanding, those with food allergies can better navigate the daily challenges."

What is a food allergy? A food allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly believes that a harmless substance, in this case a food item, is harmful. In its attempt to protect the body, it creates specific IgE antibodies to that food. The next time the individual eats that food, the immune system releases massive amounts of chemicals and histamines in order to protect the body. These chemicals trigger a cascade of allergic symptoms that can affect the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, skin, or cardiovascular system.

Eight foods account for 90 percent of all reactions in the United States: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts (walnuts, almonds, pistachios, etc.), wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish (lobster, shrimp, etc.). Food-allergic reactions result in over 30,000 emergency room visits each year. It is estimated that between 150 and 200 people, including children and young adults, die annually from anaphylaxis to food. There is no cure for food allergy. Strict avoidance of the allergy-causing food is the only way to prevent a reaction.

Be SAFE, according to FAAN, emphasizes:

Symptoms matter. Symptoms of a food-allergic reaction can affect the skin (hives or swelling of the lips, tongue and/or face), respiratory system (shortness of breath and wheezing), gastrointestinal tract (abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting), or cardiovascular system (drop in blood pressure and heart failure). If left untreated, symptoms can be fatal.

Act quickly. Prompt treatment of allergic reactions saves lives. Epinephrine is the medication of choice for controlling severe reactions. It is available by prescription in a self-injectable unit called EpiPen®. If prescribed, it should be carried at all times. Wear a medical identification necklace or bracelet to alert others of the condition.

Food label reading is a must. Read label ingredient information every time an item is purchased. Manufacturers sometimes change ingredients without warning. Also be sure to check non-food items (such as household products and toiletries), which may contain allergens.

Educate Others. FAAN is all about educating others. Many times food allergies are not taken seriously by others. Educating family members, communities, school administrators, teachers, classmates, and friends is part of working to prevent food-allergic reactions.

The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network is a Virginia-based, nonprofit organization representing the 11 million Americans who have food allergies. Established in 1991, FAAN's mission is to raise public awareness, provide advocacy and education, and advance research on behalf of all those affected by food allergies and anaphylaxis. For more information, visit the FAAN website.