Food Allergies: What to Do in Case of Emergency?

Food allergies are on the rise, Health Canada estimates that it affects about 1.2 million Canadians. If you or someone you know have an allergic reaction, how to respond can mean the difference can save you a lot of trouble. Here are some useful information to know.

Always carry an auto injector? Adrenaline to overcome the case? Emergency

Introduction to Food Allergies

Experts say food allergies affect 6-8% of children aged 4 years old and about 4% of adults. Allergic reactions range from simple skin rash to shortness of breath. They cause 30,000 emergency room visits and tens of thousands of other reactions are treated at home. These allergies are also responsible for some 150 deaths per year caused by anaphylaxis, a sudden reaction and severe life-threatening.

It is estimated that more than 160 different food related allergies, eight of whom were responsible for 90% of severe reactions. These eight spoilers are peanuts, tree nuts, fish, seafood (such allergies do not disappear in adulthood), eggs, milk, wheat and soybeans (in general, children continue to suffer from these allergies when their immune system and gastrointestinal tract matures). “These foods are very common in the diet, which partly explains the problem,” said Jonathan Bernstein, MD, professor in the Department of Immunology and Allergy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cincinnati

What to do in an emergency

Anaphylaxis is the name given to a sudden and severe allergic reaction that can be deadly and affect the skin, respiratory system, the gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular system. The only existing treatment and safe is to strictly avoid known allergens. In case of accidental exposure, be prepared to react:

• Always have at least two doses of epinephrine self-injection in order to have time to go to the hospital. A single dose will reduce the symptoms that are life threatening, but does effect for 10 to 20 minutes. “Feel free to take a dose of adrenaline,” said David Fleischer, MD, an allergist in Denver. This will not hurt you and it is probably safer not to wait.
• Have an antihistamine like Benadryl or liquid form or in fast-dissolving tablet for treating mild reactions. If one antihistamine can relieve you, it does not replace the adrenaline.
• Wear a medical alert bracelet or a gem identification.
• Call 911 or go directly to the emergency room (do not drive yourself), even if your symptoms disappear.