How can you tell if someone is having an allergic reaction to food?
The severe symptoms of someone having an allergic reaction to food includes shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, pale skin, weak pulse, trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling of lips or tongue, many hives over their body, severe vomiting or diarrhea. If you the person is having any of these severe symptoms, inject epinephrine and call 911.

​

Mild symptoms include itchy or runny nose, itchy mouth, a few hives, mild itching or mild nausea and discomfort. If the person is having two or more of these mild symptoms, inject epinephrine and call 911.

How can I help my friend with an allergy?
If your friend is having an allergic reaction, first get their epipen or Auvi-Q and follow the instructions to inject the epinephrine. Then, call 911, rather than taking them to the hospital yourself, because the epipen could wear off on the way to the hospital

Do food allergies go away with age?
There is no definite answer to this question. However, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, “Allergies to milk, eggs, wheat and soy may disappear over time, while allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish tend to be lifelong.”

How dangerous are food allergies? Can you die from a food allergy?
Yes, you can. When a person with an allergy eats their allergen, their immune system sends out immunoglobulin E or IgE antibodies. These chemicals attack the food and cause unwanted symptoms. These symptoms can include vomiting, stomach pain, skin rashes/hives and throat closing. When a person’s throat closes they can die of suffocation. This is why it is important to administer epinephrine and call 911 to get the person to the hospital immediately.

Is a food allergy the same as a seasonal allergy?
Seasonal allergies usually occur one time of the year, whereas food allergies are always present. Most seasonal allergies are not deadly while food allergies can lead to anaphylaxis. 

What is a food allergy?
A body naturally fights off harmful things to keep you healthy. A food allergy is when a body’s natural defenses overreact and see food as an invader. The immune system sends out immunoglobulin E or IgE antibodies. These chemicals attack the food and cause unwanted symptoms, such as anaphylaxis.

Are peanuts the same as tree nuts?
Peanuts and tree nuts are not the same. Peanuts are legumes and grow in the ground, whereas tree nuts grow on trees and include almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios and walnuts. 

How common are food allergies?
More than fifty million Americans have a food allergy. It is estimated that 4-6% of children and 4% of adults have a food allergy. Strangely you can still become allergic to something that you were never allergic to before.

Can someone with a food allergy eat what they’re allergic to?
No, a person with a food allergy cannot eat their allergen. Some people are even allergic to the dust particles of their allergens in the air. However, if the person is doing Oral Immunotherapy (OIT), this therapy gives the person a little bit of the food at a time over a period of months to increase their tolerance of the food. But, their allergy remains and if the person stops taking their dose of the allergen the severity of the allergy will increase again. People who have done OIT, can usually only eat the prescribed amount to maintain what is called “bite proof” so they will not have anaphylaxis if exposed to their allergen.

What’s an EpiPen/Auvi Q?
Both products contain a needle that injects epinephrine into the person having a severe allergic reaction. An epipen is more affordable and comes in a container that looks like an oversized pen. The Epipen has been around longer and is more widely known.  The Auvi Q gives voice instructions and is about the size of a very thick credit card.

What is anaphylaxis?
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. It can happen seconds or minutes after you’ve been exposed to something you’re allergic to…In anaphylaxis, the immune system releases a flood of chemicals that can cause the body to go into shock. Blood pressure drops suddenly, and the airways narrow, blocking your breathing. The pulse may be fast and weak…Anaphylaxis needs to be treated right away with an injection of epinephrine or it can be deadly.”