With the surge of coronavirus in the USA, many states have announced lockdowns to cope with the COVID-19. People have stuck in their houses and children and adults facing many difficulties and health issues. Food allergy is one of them.
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What is a Food Allergy?
Food allergy is a very serious medical condition which can be fatal and life-threatening, Food Allergy is affecting more than 33million Americans. According to an article published on WMD on 21 Sep.2020.
One in every 14 children has a food allergy, which is about 3 in every classroom in the USA.
It is a part of Atopic March called Allergic March. This term is associated with allergic diseases in a person such as:
- Asthma
- Allergic rhinitis
- Eczema
- Food allergy
Not everyone has all these conditions or experience all of them
Reasons for Food Allergy
Food allergy is not like food poison, there are many ailments that indicate this condition. It is important that your food sensitivity should be confirmed by a proper allergist.
Family history also a main reason and has an influence on a person to develop food allergies. If you also have other allergic reactions such as asthma, then the risk for food allergy increased. If you have asthma then there are 30% chances of developing food allergies.
Most Common Food Allergens in the USA
There are eight common food allergens in the USA:
- Peanut
- Tree nuts
- Wheat
- Shellfish
- Milk
- fish
Allergy symptoms
Here are some common allergy symptoms:
- Sneezing
- Itchy skin
- Itchy eyes
- Wheezing
- Rashes
- Nasal Congestion
Food allergy in kids
Parents should be careful during the holidays, according to studies serious allergic reactions found due to peanuts. which was published on Health News on 21 September 2020.
Kids love to eat candy and chocolate eggs. That can cause unknown nut exposure to spike up to 70% food allergies.
Anaphylaxis is a very severe condition that can occur due to different types of allergies including food allergies. According to an associate professor of allergy at the Montreal Children Hospital in Canada says. We want to reduce the risk of anaphylaxis on holidays as compared to the rest of the year.
It is a life-threatening reaction. According to the Allergy Foundation of America.
Here are some symptoms of anaphylaxis:
- Hives
- Itching
- Swelling of tongue
- Swelling of through
- Swelling of lips
- Wheezing
- Difficulty in breathing
- Fainting
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Uneasiness
Peanuts and Allergy
Then researchers found 1400 cases of anaphylaxis between 2011 and 2020. Two-thirds of the kids were boys between ages 4 to 6.
These all cases were due to peanuts, researchers found reaction in kids who were 6 years or older.
This year Halloween and easter look different due to the coronavirus pandemic. Parents need to stay alert on these holidays for their kids with food allergies stay safe.
Why Halloween and Easter?
There is not so much data available but according to the researchers on these occasions, the children are given candy and chocolate, which come from different people and we do not know about their health conditions.
Keep the epinephrine pen nearby and keep an eagle eye on your kid. Kids age 6 years and above are mostly affected by this condition. Never think that a 9-year-old kid will always be responsible and take care of himself.
This study was conducted in Canada, and the finding also can apply in other countries that celebrate Easter and Halloween such as the USA and UK
On other holidays mostly food prepared by the family who is aware of the allergies and health conditions of family members.
Ask to share a list of ingredients if someone brings food to holiday meals, she suggested. because allergens can hide in many prepared foods and sometimes manufacturers change the way of making food. You should check the labels before buying any food.
