An anaphylactic reaction can be life threatening. Fortunately, we know how to properly treat a reaction. But what about those individuals who have a second attack, known as a biphasic reaction, without a repeat exposure to the cause of the first attack. Understanding the factors associated with biphasic reactions can lead to a better awareness and the ability to stay safe.
Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening reaction to a food, drug, insect venom, or environmental substance. Epinephrine is the only drug that can halt and reverse the progression of anaphylaxis and the sooner it is administered, the better the outcome.
When an individual suffers anaphylaxis they should be transported to a hospital for observation because, in an estimated 4%-6% of cases, they could suffer a second anaphylactic reaction known as a biphasic reaction without repeat exposure to the eliciting substance.
Testing, testing, testing. One thing newborns go through is lots of testing. Amongst those many tests are those that check for allergic reactions to different types of foods, including peanuts. When infants have been found to be allergic, oral immunotherapy should be begun quickly “via shared decision making” according to a review published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice.
When peanut introduction fails, peanut OIT for infants should be offered as soon as possible via shared decision-making, according to a review published in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice.
Previous studies have demonstrated that peanut OIT is effective and safe for infants, Gilbert T. Chua, MBBS, FHKAM(Paed), clinical assistant professor with the department of pediatrics and adolescent medicine of the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine at The University of Hong Kong, and colleagues wrote.
Although the results of the Learning Early About Peanut, or LEAP, study have led to recommendations for introducing infants to peanuts in their first year, the authors noted, the prevalence of peanut allergy does not appear to have decreased significantly in this age group.
Being allergic to seafood has its challenges. It is included in the list of the top eight allergens. For one thing different types of seafood are more likely to produce an allergic reaction. In addition, how the seafood is prepared can impact on the type of reaction one has. Here you will learn about the different types of seafood as well as ways you can help keep yourself safe.
Most Allergenic Seafood : Are you allergic to seafood? If so, you’re not alone. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, seafood is one of the top eight allergens. While any type of seafood can cause an allergic reaction, some types are more likely to trigger a reaction than others.
Here’s a look at some of the most allergenic seafood:
Shellfish are a common cause of seafood allergies. Types of shellfish include shrimp, lobster, crab, and crayfish.
Fish are another common allergenic seafood. Common fish allergies include salmon, tuna, halibut, and snapper.
Is it me, or does everyone seem to have a food intolerance nowadays? Aren’t food intolerances the same thing as an allergy? Here you will learn the difference between an intolerance and an allergy, as well as some of their causes. In addition, we’ll explore whether food intolerances are on the rise.
What are food intolerances?
Food intolerances are reactions to eating foods, in normal quantities, that do not involve the immune system.
They are very different to food allergies which is when the body mounts an immune response to a food that is either ingested or even touches the skin. This immune response is very quick (within 20 minutes to two hours) and releases chemicals that can affect the person's breathing, gastrointestinal tract and heart.
Common food allergies include eggs, peanuts, wheat and shellfish. Allergies differ from intolerances in that the most severe allergies cause anaphylaxis: severe allergic reactions that are life-threatening.
The mechanisms behind food intolerances can vary greatly. One common mechanism is when people lack enzymes that are needed for breaking down nutrients.
In one of the most common food intolerances, lactose intolerance, people lack the enzyme "lactase" which is used to break down this carbohydrate naturally found in milk and some other dairy products. Lactose is broken down into glucose and galactose in the small intestine, and then absorbed.
Anyone with life-threatening food allergies always need to be vigilant about coming into contact with a potential allergen, even in the outdoors at a park or playground. In New Castle, New York the community has taken the steps to promote greater awareness of food allergies, along with some simple steps to help keep people in their parks and playgrounds safe.
(Left to R.) Councilwoman Victoria Tipp, Chappaqua resident Stacey Saiontz, her son, Jared, Supervisor Lisa Katz and parent Heather Brown. by Martin Wilbur
By Martin Wilbur May 12th, 2022
The Town of New Castle commemorated Food Allergy Awareness Week unveiling one of 10 signs in its parks and playgrounds reminding the public how they can protect those with food allergies. Pictured, from left, are Councilwoman Victoria Tipp, Chappaqua resident Stacey Saiontz, her son, Jared, Supervisor Lisa Katz and parent Heather Brown. Martin Wilbur photo
For those people who suffer from food allergies, they must stay constantly vigilant to not only avoid certain foods but even come close to others. For children, that can be especially difficult, since they are often in sizeable groups with their peers at school, on a school bus or on the playground.
