Open Wide: Understanding and Coping with Food Allergies in Phoenix

A Daily Journal article posted last November 11, 2013 tackles the increasing incidence of food allergies among US children. Food allergies should never be underestimated, as those who have unknowingly eaten allergy-causing foodstuffs either break out in hives and rashes, or suffer fatal anaphylactic shock. The article goes on to mention a few horrifying facts about allergies:

According to Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), food allergies now affect 1 in every 13 children in the U.S. That’s roughly two in every classroom.

“They are definitely on the rise,” Gutin said. “Every five years, the incidents of peanut allergies double. It coincides with the rise of all allergic conditions.”

While there is no clear, single reason as to why, the rise in food allergies may be attributed to a combination of factors, Gutin said, including lifestyle, nutrition and an increased awareness among parents of what signs and symptoms to look for.

According to FARE, eight foods account for 90 percent of all reactions: Milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish.

Among children, Gutin said she most commonly encounters milk, peanut and egg allergies.
Mild symptoms typically include hives, rashes and swelling after exposure.

It’s difficult to live with allergies knowing that you can’t eat or taste certain foods for the rest of your life. Yet it’s much more dangerous to remain oblivious about potential allergy risks. Before you stumble upon a nasty surprise, you might want to visit a qualified physician who specializes in treating food allergies in Phoenix.

Food allergies refer to the human body’s gross overreaction against certain harmless proteins found in particular foods. Allergic reactions differ in every patient; symptoms range from dizziness, itching, swelling, and to more life-threatening symptoms such as rapid pulse acceleration, dangerous drops in blood pressure, and breathing difficulties. To avoid fatal scenarios, individuals who have experienced any type of food allergy should have themselves tested to know exactly what foods to avoid.

A center for food allergy testing in Phoenix, AZ, such as Adult & Pediatric Allergy Associates, P.C. can help at-risk individuals identify any underlying complications they may have. Since most food allergies are inherited, parents may want to have their children tested as well. Prevention is the best cure, after all, and testing can save your life or your loved one from a dish gone wrong.

(Article Excerpt and Image from On the rise: Food allergies and children are the topic of this month’s Healthline, thedailyjournal.com, November 11, 2013)