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Anyone can develop an allergy at any time in his or her life, even without specific risk factors. Yet some people, including asthmatics, children, and those with a history of anaphylaxis, have an increased susceptibility to allergic reactions. The likelihood and severity of experiencing a repeat allergic reaction depends largely upon the type of allergen and the individual's sensitivity to it.
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- Anyone with a previous history of anaphylactic reactions is at risk for another severe reaction. Individuals with food allergies (particularly allergies to shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts) and asthma may be at increased risk for having a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction. A recent study showed that teens with food allergy and asthma appear to be at highest risk for a reaction because they are more likely to dine away from home, they are less likely to carry medications, and they may ignore or not recognize symptoms
- The best treatment for a food allergy reaction is Epinephrine, also called "adrenaline," the medication of choice for controlling a severe reaction. It is available by prescription as a self-injectable device.
- That the common causes of anaphylaxis include:
- Food
- Medication
- Insect stings
- Latex
- Currently, there are no medications that cure food allergies. Strict avoidance is the only way to prevent a reaction. Most people outgrow their food allergies, although peanuts, nuts, fish, and shellfish are often considered lifelong allergies. Some research is being done in this area and it looks promising. Click here for research information.
- Anyone can develop an allergy at any time in his or her life, even without specific risk factors. Yet some people, including asthmatics, children, and those with a history of anaphylaxis, have an increased susceptibility to allergic reactions. The likelihood and severity of experiencing a repeat allergic reaction depends largely upon the type of allergen and the individual's sensitivity to it.
- People frequently outgrow allergies to milk, soybeans, and eggs when they leave childhood, but peanuts, tree nuts, and shellfish tend to be lifelong allergens. In fact, it is impossible to predict the severity of future anaphylactic reactions in any particular person. There is no set pattern, but the severity of an allergic reaction is thought to depend on
- If you suffer from anaphylaxis, you can help prevent a reaction from occurring by avoiding the allergenic substance. However, avoidance is not enough. You cannot predict the movement of a flying insect, or always know the ingredients of your food. Surprises happen and sometimes you cannot avoid the harmful allergen. In this case you need to be prepared to treat the condition with epinephrine as soon as it arises.
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