During the month of May, we want you to be aware of food
allergies and how they can affect your health. It’s Food Allergy Action Month
and we are encouraging Texans to take action and become better informed about
the dangers of food allergies.
It is important that the public stay informed and read
labels on the food they buy. If you or a family member suffers from a food
allergy, this is especially important. Nearly 30,000 individuals within the
United States make a trip to the emergency room each year to get treated for an
allergic reaction to a food they have consumed.
What is a food
allergy?
A food allergy results when the immune system mistakenly
targets a harmless food protein, also known as an allergen, as a threat and
attacks it. A food allergy can cause serious risk to your body which is why
awareness is incredibly important.
What are the symptoms
of food allergy?
Here are a list of the
most common symptoms:
• Hives, itching, or skin rash
• Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat, or other
parts of the body
• Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
If the allergy becomes
life-threatening, symptoms can include:
• Swelling of the throat making it difficult to breathe
• Wheezing or nasal congestion
• An extreme drop in blood pressure
• A rapid or irregular pulse
• Loss of consciousness
It is important to protect your family and know what food
allergies could potentially be dangerous to you and them. If you suspect you or
someone in your family might have a food allergy, please take the time to visit
your primary care physician or an allergist to be evaluated, diagnosed and
treated. For more information on diagnosis and testing of food allergies,
please visit http://www.foodallergy.org/diagnosis-and-testing.
If you are concerned about a possible food allergy or any
type of reaction to your body, or have any questions about poison, please do
not hesitate to contact the Texas Poison Center Network for help 24/7 at 1-800-222-1222. If the allergic
reaction is life-threatening, please call 9-1-1.
