Food Allergy Awareness Week- May 8-14

In celebration of Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month, this week we bring attention to Food Allergy.  

The Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) organization is celebrating Food Allergy Awareness Week from May 8–14. As part of this event, the Empire State Building will be illuminated in teal on Sunday, May 8th, in recognition of the color for the cause of food allergies. Catch the view from sunset on Sunday thru 2 AM on Monday.  Did you see it?  Check out #TealTakeover for pictures!

Food allergies affect some 15 million Americans and is on the rise for unknown reasons. It's a serious epidemic that can be deadly when someone eats a problem food and reacts through anaphylaxis.

What Are Symptoms Of Anaphylaxis? 

• Symptoms occurring within minutes after exposure or ingestion of an allergen
• difficulty breathing
• Hives or itchy red bumps on the skin
• Cough, wheezing, or difficulty breathing after ingestion.
• reduced blood pressure leading to paleness, weak pulse, confusion, weakness, or fainting (called anaphylactic shock)
• swollen lips, tongue or throat
• a change in your voice.
• gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, or cramping

What Causes Anaphylaxis?

• Food allergies are the leading cause for anaphylactic shock, with the highest incidences of fatal food-induced anaphylactic shock in teenagers and young adults and those who also have asthma.
• The most common causes are milk, egg, fish, tree nuts, shellfish, and peanuts.
• Other causes include medications, environmental allergens, and insect stings.
• Food allergies affects all races, ethnicities, and ages and can begin at any stage of life! Though some children can outgrow milk and egg allergies, nut and fish allergies tend to be lifelong once they first occur.
• Talk to your allergy doctor to be tested and find out what you're allergic to!

What is the treatment for Anaphylaxis?

• Use Epinephrine early then antihistamines.
• If you are experiencing a food allergy, you should use Epinephrine first.
• Because antihistamines take sometimes up to 15 minutes to start working, early use of epinephrine through injection can stop symptoms fast before they potentially turn deadly

• Seek medical treatment.

Is there a Cure For Food Allergies?

• There is no cure for food allergies, but we are working on it.  Exciting research in food allergy is being conducted in NYC at Mount Sinai.  They are working to desensitize individuals with food allergies.
• Currently the only treatment is strict avoidance.   
• Talk to your allergist in NYC to develop the best plan of you and your family.  Share your plan with your loved ones and your school.  

 What can you do if your food allergies are uncontrolled?  Gramercy Allergy and Asthma is here to help.  We help New Yorkers every day with allergies and asthma.

Pledge to yourself to make May the month you take control over your allergies and asthma in New York.    

• Get Tested!
• Know Your Triggers!
• Have a plan for dealing with symptoms!
• Get Treatment!

Want more specific advice on surviving New York’s Allergy Season?  Visit our website http://www.gramercyallergy.com or click here to schedule an appointment online.

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