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In the United States, pediatric food allergies have increased at an astounding rate over the past 15 years. The authors of the study are not sure if it is an actual rise in prevalence, or if it is due to higher awareness that has led people to seek treatment for their symptoms. Either way, the numbers show that there was an 18% increase in the number of children with food allergies, and a 300% elevation in the number of people going to the emergency hospitals for food allergies since 1993.
Allergies are not only a mild nuisance, but could also cause serious health issues, especially food allergies. According the the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, common foods that could become life threatening for certain people are peanuts, milk, soy fish, shellfish, tree nuts, and wheat. Though symptoms usually appear soon after people eat the food that causes their allergies, some foods can take several hours before a reaction begins. Some symptoms of food allergy are: swelling of tongue/throat, tingling sensation in mouth, hives, vomiting, trouble breathing, stomach cramps, or diarrhea.
One way tot test for allergies is using the immunoglobulin E, IgE. Though IgE antibodies can indicate a potential food allergy, it is better at ruling out who does not have an allergy. A positive test suggests that there is potential for allergy and not that the person definitely has a food allergy. People should increase their awareness of the way allergies are rising and prepare for it.
Source:Amy Branum, M.S.P.H., health statistician, U.S. National Center for Health Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hyattsville, Md.; Jennifer Appleyard, M.D., chief, allergy and immunology, St. John Hospital and Medical Center, Detroit; Nov. 16, 2009, Pediatrics, online| Related Articles |
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