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www.FredParent.NET • 15 Sponsored Material Join us January 14 for the live conversation on contact with the protein from the food. The reaction is very quick — within 30 minutes or less of eating the food. The reaction can be reproduced by a skin test, and the amount of allergy antibody can be measured by a blood test. Typical effects of the allergic reaction can include hives, itching, vomiting, stomach pains, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, throat swelling and sometimes fainting. A food sensitivity represents an alternative mechanism for reacting to a food. Sometimes there can be a deficiency in the enzymes need- ed for proper digestion as is seen in lactose intolerance. There can be other metabolic disorders that can cause food sensitivities such as G6PD deficiency. Some intestinal disturbances can limit tolerance to certain foods as is seen in Celiac disease. Irritable bowel, Crohn's disease, ulcers, gall bladder disease, et cetera are examples of condi- tions that will make an individual intolerant or sensitive to different foods. These sensitivities and intolerances are not able to be dem- onstrated by skin testing and are not allergies in the true sense of the word. Nevertheless, if a food is a consistent cause of a reaction it should be avoided. The ultimate determinant if a food should be ingested is what happens when you eat it. Q: Are all food allergies potentially life-threatening? The prevalence of food allergies has increased at an alarming rate over the past 20 years. Food allergies have been shown to affect 6-8 percent of 1 year olds with some studies estimating the prevalence of food allergies in the first year of life at 10 percent. Not all food allergies are necessarily life-threatening. Itchiness or irritation of the mouth, lips and tongue after ingesting a fresh fruit or vegetable is often a marker of severe pollen sensitivity. The develop- ment of hives and/or swelling within minutes of ingesting a food is the most common presentation of a food allergy. Other symptoms including nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, uterine cramping, wheezing, shortness of breath and loss of consciousness can also occur. The initial manifestation of a food allergy may be relatively mild, such as the development of hives, in some individuals. However, subsequent exposures to the same food may result in more severe symptoms. Those with a suspected food allergy should consult with a board-certified allergist for testing in order to confirm the diagnosis and develop a treatment plan in the event of future accidental exposures. Do you have questions for Allergy Partners? Ask them live on our Facebook page during Ask The Expert January 14 th, at 8 pm. facebook.com/FredericksburgParent a sk t h e e x p e rt Food allergies have been shown to affect 6-8 percent of 1 year olds Q: What is anaphylaxis? What should I do if someone around me is having an anaphylactic reaction? Anaphylaxis is the term we use to describe a serious allergic reaction. It can happen very quickly and can be life-threatening. Anaphylaxis can happen from exposure to a food, medication, materials such as latex, or insect sting. Anaphylaxis can involve one or more parts of the body. The most common symptoms are: • Hives (raised, red patches of skin that are very itchy) • Swelling and puffiness (usually of the face, eyelids, ears, mouth, hands, or feet) • Redness or itching of the skin (without hives) • Swelling or itching of the eyes • Runny nose or swelling of the tongue • Trouble breathing • Wheezing, change in your voice, throat tightness • Throwing up, stomach cramps, diarrhea • Dizziness or fainting, if blood pressure drops. If someone around you has these symp- toms CALL 911 and see if they have a medic alert bracelet and epinephrine auto- injector on them (i.e. Epipen). Most auto- injectors have the instructions for proper use on them and the 911 operator should be able to talk you. through use as well. www.allergypartners.com • 540/371-5660 The percentage of children diagnosed with food allergies increased from 3.4 percent from 1997-1999 to 5.1 percent of all children in the years 2009-2011.