Nutrition through the Lifespan

The role of the immune system is to protect the body from germs and disease

A food allergy is an abnormal response by the immune system to a food protein

When the food is eaten, the immune system thinks the food is harmful and releases histamine and other chemicals to “attack” the enemy

There is no cure for food allergy

Complete and strict avoidance of the food is the only way to prevent a reaction

Family history of asthma and allergies

Genetic predisposition to allergic disease

Elevated allergen-specific serum immunoglobulin level◦Test for IgE concentrations in blood.

Being younger than 3 years old

Eight foods cause 90% of the allergic reactions inthe United States: Milk Peanuts Eggs Tree Nuts (e.g., walnuts, pecans) Wheat Fish Soy Shellfish FDA requires labeling of all of these…

12 million Americans have food allergies

Over 3 million of them are under the age of 18

Trouble swallowingShortness of breathRepetitive coughingVoice change

Nausea & vomitingDiarrheaAbdominal cramping

Drop in blood pressureLoss of consciousness

SwellingHivesEczemaItchy red rash

A serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death

Each year in the U.S. anaphylaxis to food causes an estimated 50,000 to 125,000 emergency room visits, depending on the source

Individuals with food allergy plus asthma are at greatest risk for a serious reaction

Avoid trigger food/beverage Medications

Treat allergy symptoms, not allergy.◦Antihistamine◦Bronchodilator◦Epinephrine

There is no cure for food allergies and no way to prevent reactions when exposure occurs.

Prompt administration of epinephrine is key to surviving anaphylaxis

Prescribed as auto-injectors (such as EpiPen® or Twinject®)

1. Food allergies are serious. Don’t make jokes about them.

2. Don’t share your food with friends who have food allergies.

3. Wash your hands after eating.4. Ask what your friends are allergic to and

help them avoid it.5. If a friend with food allergies becomes ill,

get help immediately!

CBS Report◦ http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?

id=2473442n From a child’s perspective…

◦ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AzyLv2IKoGA How do teens cope?

◦ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6IGKPGa_uI

Defined◦ Digestion system response to a substance

Physiological Response◦ Body unable to properly digest or metabolize a

substance Types

◦ Substances Food

◦ Chemical Food dyes Food additives

Dairy (lactose)Beans (enzymes)Carbohydrates (enzymes)Gluten (Celiac disease)Cruciferous vegetables (enzymes)

Gastrointestinal ◦ Nausea◦ Vomiting◦ Abdominal pain/cramps◦ Diarrhea◦ Colic◦ Gas◦ Cramps◦ Bloating◦ Heartburn

Psychological Reactions◦ Headaches◦ Irritability◦ Nervousness

Treatment Total avoidance of offending

food/beverage Medications

◦ Enzyme digestive aids

1. Food allergies can be cured with allergy shots.

2. Milk is a common food allergen.3. It’s OK to test if a food is safe by licking it

or taking a tiny bite.4. If a friend is having an allergic reaction, it

is acceptable to allow them to leave alone.

Answer the below questions in a complete sentence or write the question and the answer.

5. What is the main difference between a food allergy and an food intolerance?

6. List two symptoms of a food allergy and two symptoms of a food intolerance.

7. The FDA has identified ______ common food allergies.

8. Antihistamines are used to treat food intolerances or food allergies?

1. Food allergies can be cured with allergy shots. False: There is no cure for food allergies. Avoiding the food is the only way to prevent an allergic reaction.

2. Milk is a common food allergen. True: Milk is a common allergen. People who are allergic to milk must avoid cheese (pizza), ice cream, butter, yogurt, and all other foods that contain milk.

3. It’s OK to test if a food is safe by licking it or taking a tiny bite. False: Even a tiny lick or bite of a food can cause a reaction. People with food allergy must read the ingredient statement before eating a food.

4. If a friend is having an allergic reaction, it is acceptable to allow them to leave alone. False: Sometimes symptoms start out mild, and your friend might think it’s okay to go off alone. But, things can quickly get worse, so stick with your friend in case your help is needed.

1. What is the main difference between a food allergy and an food intolerance? The main difference is a food allergy involves the immune system and a food intolerance does not involve the immune system. It involves the digestive system.

2. List two symptoms of a food allergy and two symptoms of a food intolerance. Answer will vary; consult list in presentation

3. The FDA has identified _8_ common food allergies.4. Antihistamines are used to treat food intolerances

or food allergies? Food allergies

http://www.discoverychannelcme.com/patient-education/food-allergies