Food allergies are among the most dangerous types of allergies out there. They are the result of the immune system’s not reacting properly to certain foods, or certain ingredients in foods. The most common food allergies are to nuts, milk, and eggs. Some people just feel ill when they consume something they are allergic to, but others experience swelling in the face, and swelling in the body, closing air paths. Hives and rashes are also very common. And if exposure to the allergen continues the allergic reactions may worsen over time.

Peanut allergies are said to be the most dangerous of the food allergies. Not only do they cause the most severe symptoms, but peanut oil is used in so many processed foods that the number of items that the person has to avoid can be very long. A few years ago, a teenage girl died from peanut allergy. Her boyfriend had eaten a peanut butter sandwich after school before joining her and friends. He gave her a goodbye kiss before he left, and the allergic reaction from the peanut oil on his lips caused her throat to swell from Anaphylactic Shock. She suffocated before the emergency team arrived. While such things are rare and sound extreme, such occurrences do take place.

Very young children can often have food allergies. If your baby or toddler has food allergies it is recommended that you attach a list of any food allergies securely to the diaper bag as a constant reminder to friends, family, and childcare providers. It is important that children with food allergies are aware of the reasons why they can’t have certain foods. This will remind them to make the right food choices at school. It is also important that your child’s principal and teachers know about the allergies. Often there are class parties, and if your child is tempted to eat foods to which they are allergic the teacher can remind them.

The Internet is a useful place to learn more about food allergies. The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network has an excellent website full of information. The organization was formed in 1991. It has many thousands of members including families, dietitians, nurses, physicians, school administrators, teachers, government staff, and members of the food and drug administration. This diverse group works together to educate about food allergies by providing accurate information and heightening awareness. They carefully monitor TV, newspapers, and the news channels to be sure accurate information is being released to the public. They also lobby for further research to be done in the area of food allergies.

While there is no cure for food allergies that we know of, properly learning about such food allergies and working with a qualified doctor can help you find ways to control them. It is important if you or a family member has a food allergy that you make it known to those with whom you are frequently in contact. This includes co-workers, family, friends, neighbors, and daycare providers. This will help them learn about the issue as well as be able to quickly get medical attention for the individual if the need arises. The fact that they are able to let medical professionals know about such food allergies can make all the difference in how fast they are able to administer treatment.