Introduction
What is a food allergy?
Food allergies occur when the body rejects certain protein parts in a particular food that has come into contact with the person or has been consumed by the person.
What can happen without medication if the allergy is severe?
The body will produce symptoms of varying severity affecting the nose, throat and lungs. In most severe reactions, without immediate medication the person is at risk of the swelling completely blocking their airway.
How will I know if someone is anaphylactic to food?
- Swelling of the tongue
- Tightness and swelling of the throat
- Noisy/difficulty breathing
- Difficulty talking
- Wheezing or persistent coughing
- Dizziness or collapse
How common is it to have a food allergy?
Food allergies are becoming more common in children than other types of allergic reactions. Due to the large numbers of students in schools and the close contact, children are at a higher risk of accidental anaphylactic response.