$Unique_ID{BRK01054}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{How Common are Food Allergies?}
$Subject{allergy allergies foods food reaction immune system diet hives
sneezing vomiting shock consciousness child children peanuts nuts eggs milk
reactions Soy shrimp banana tuna chicken trout}
$Volume{U-26}
$Log{
The Process of an Allergic Reaction*0001201.scf
Histamine Release Causes Allergy Symptoms*0001202.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


How Common are Food Allergies?


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

QUESTION:  Whenever my 7 year old daughter eats peanut butter, she breaks out
in hives.  I want to know about food allergies.  How common are they, and is
there any hope my daughter will soon outgrow them?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANSWER:  Food allergies are always high on the list of a parent's concern,
particularly when a common and well loved food seems to be the offending
agent.  An allergy is sensitivity to a substance that's usually harmless to
other people.  About 1% of the population is estimated to experience immediate
allergic symptoms, such as hives, sneezing, vomiting, and even shock or loss
of consciousness, after eating particular foods.
     In one study of 132 children, four foods--peanuts, nuts, eggs and
milk--caused 90% of the allergic reactions.  Soy, shrimp, banana, tuna,
chicken and trout were responsible for the remaining 10% of reactions.
Chocolate, strawberries and tomatoes, often cited as causing allergic
reactions, are probably unjustly blamed in many cases.
     It's quite possible that your child will "outgrow" her food allergy.
Many doctors believe that food sensitivity decreases with age.  Until then you
will have to exercise just a bit more attention to her diet.

----------------

The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.