Food Allergies … matter of life or death

Food Allergy Awareness Week took place May 14 — 20. That week may be over, but for those who live with food allergies or care for someone who does, are aware every week of the year. For them, it could mean life or death. Although any food can cause allergic reactions, the most common culprits are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans, etc.) wheat, soy, crustacean shellfish (shrimp, crab, lobster, etc.) and fish — also known as the “Big 8.”

A food allergy is an immune system response that occurs after exposure to a certain food. The allergic reaction occurs when the immune system attacks the protein in the specific food. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and even cause death. It is estimated that 15 million people in the United States have food allergies with approximately a third of those being children.

Imagine your 2-year-old daughter tries a peanut for the very first time and within 30 seconds she goes into anaphylactic shock, a serious life-threatening reaction which can lead to swelling of the throat and constricted airways in the lungs. Her face is covered in welts, body covered in hives, tears streaming down her face, sneezing, vomiting, and all with a look of terror in her eyes. This is not something a parent wants to experience, yet my dear friend who I’ve known since the 3rd grade recently experienced this and, worse yet, a secondary episode like the first occurred just 26 hours later. She utilized the Epi (epinephrine) pen prescribed just 26 hours earlier and called 911. As my friend stated, “so began her journey as a food allergy mom.” One more episode has occurred since then, but it was the second Emergency Room (ER) visit that the reality and full breadth of a food allergy diagnosis sank in for her and her husband.

In addition to peanut products, the doctor urged their daughter to avoid tree nuts as well. Then began the search for all products in their household that contained or could be contaminated with peanuts or tree nuts; and not just food, but toiletries as well. Popular lip moisturizers and sunscreens for kids even contain peanut and sesame oils, and beware of what is in pet food! Although food labels are mandated to list potential allergens through the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004, consumers must be aware that potential allergens could go by another name not commonly known, i.e. arachis oil is peanut oil.

Plans for increasing her hours at work were shattered. They realized that there were going to be major obstacles to overcome and changes to make within their environment. Instantly what came to mind was that her daughter would not be able to lead a normal life like her older sister and brother: sleepovers and playdates at others’ homes became a major concern as did choosing a childcare facility, there would be no buying lunch at the school cafeteria. To keep their daughter safe, they must keep a watchful eye on her at all times. Social gatherings have become stressful for this family because they are constantly worried about their daughter. They are cautious to have their daughter leave their sight with fear that she may encounter a product or food that may harm her.

I’m sharing this story on behalf of my friend and her family, and as a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), to help spread awareness about the real dangers of food allergies. It is her mission to help educate families and others about how severe food allergies can be and to make sure families who struggle with allergies are not alone. For more tips, facts, resources and support, please visit www.foodallergy.org. RDNs can help identify alternative foods with the same nutritional value and, as always, consult your health care provider with any concerns.

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Kimberly Young, MS, RDN, LD, is the WIC Coordinator at Panhandle Health District and a graduate of the University of Idaho Dietetic program.