Approximately 12 million Americans have food allergies. Here's what you need to know about this common type of allergy...

• What will happen if I eat a food that I'm allergic to?
  Allergic reactions to foods can range from mild to life threatening. Common symptoms include itchy, red skin rashes, hives, nasal congestion, runny nose, upper respiratory infections, and headaches.
  
  In severe cases, eating certain foods can cause anaphylactic shock, a sudden allergic reaction characterized by swelling of the tongue and throat, difficulty breathing, and low blood pressure. Anaphylactic shock can be deadly.



• What causes these reactions?
  In people with food allergies, the immune system thinks a certain food is harmful and creates disease-fighting antibodies to try to protect the body. When you eat the allergy-causing food, the immune system sends out chemicals in an effort to remove the food protein from the body. It's these chemicals that cause the unpleasant allergic symptoms you experience.



• Which foods are most likely to cause an allergic reaction?
  Foods that most frequently trigger allergic reactions in children include eggs, milk, wheat, soy, fish, corn, and peanuts. In adults, fish, shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts are most likely to cause reactions. Keep in mind, however, that each individual is different – you may be allergic to other foods. Although many food allergies disappear with age, some can last for life.



• What is the best treatment for food allergies?
  Avoid the food that's causing your allergic symptoms! Read ingredient labels at the grocery store and ask questions at restaurants – do whatever it takes to avoid the foods you're allergic to. And, in case you are exposed to these foods accidentally, carry an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen®) at all times.