Food Allergies Series
This article is the first dedicated to a series provided to you monthly on food allergies.
Approximately 8% of children and 2% of adults suffer from true food allergies. When the culprit food is eaten, most of these allergic reactions will occur within minutes. Skin symptoms such as itching, urticaria (hives), angioedema (swelling of the eyes, lips and throat) are the most common. Other symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose and eyes, nausea, vomiting, cramping, diarrhea, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, low blood pressure, light-headedness, and rapid heartbeat. When severe, this reaction is called anaphylaxis and can be life threatening.
This month we are going to deal with shellfish allergy, which is the most common food allergy in adults and the most frequent cause of emergency room visits related to an allergic reaction to food in the United States. Unlike many food allergies, shellfish allergy is more likely to develop in adulthood than in early childhood. Shellfish allergies tend to be severe, lifelong food allergies.
Symptoms of Shellfish Allergy:
Shellfish are split into 2 main groups, crustaceans such as lobster, shrimp, crab and crayfish and mollusks which include oysters, squid and clams. If you are allergic to crustaceans, you may not necessarily be allergic to mollusks. However if you are allergic to one type crustacean, you are often allergic to the others in the same group. Symptoms of shellfish allergy typically appear within minutes of eating shellfish. Following are some of the symptoms that may occur:
· Skin reactions such as hives.
· Itchy, watery, red eyes.
· Stomach pain, vomiting or diarrhea.
· Coughing, wheezing or runny nose.
· Swelling of lips, tongue, or face
Allergy testing is the safest way to diagnose a shellfish allergy. If you are diagnosed with a shellfish allergy, you have to carry an Epi-pen with you at all times in case of an emergency situation. Avoidance is the most efficient way to cope with shellfish allergies. Please read food labels very carefully and ask questions when you eat out, as you will find the use of shellfish where you least expect it.
Natural Supplements that contain shell fish: Glucosamine, calcium supplements, Omega 3 supplements.
Misconception of Relationship of Iodine Tablets/ Iodized Salt and Shell Fish Allergy
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), there is a common misconception that those who have a shellfish allergy should not take iodine tablets or iodized salt due to risk of an allergic reaction. According to Scott Sicherer, MD, FAAAAI, there is no association between shell fish and iodine. The allergy in shell fish is due to a protein and not the iodine content.
For the Outdoors:
Asthma and chlorinated swimming pools:
Now that summer is underway and most children and adults are spending time in the pool, care should be taken that asthmatics have their symptoms well under control especially when getting into chlorinated swimming pools. Certain compounds formed from the interaction of skin and chlorine called chloramines can cause constriction of the airways and increase symptoms in swimmers. Pre treating with a bronchodilator like albuterol or xopinex can drastically reduce symptoms
For the Indoors:
Can house plants help clean the air in my home?
A series of experiments were conducted by NASA looking at protective effects of various plants in actually cleaning the air of unwanted indoor air pollutants. Apart from absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen plants also eliminate significant amounts of chemicals in the air, including benzene and formaldehyde. The recommendations are for at least 15 air cleaning houseplants for an average home.
Here is a partial list of air-cleaning house plants from NASA's Clean Air Study:
· Chinese evergreen
· Bamboo palm or reed palm
· Spider plant
· Pot Mum
· Chrysanthemum
· Dracaena Weeping Fig (Ficus)
· Rubber Plant
· Gerbera Daisy
· English Ivy
· Philodendron
· Snake plant
· Peace lily
· Bamboo palm
· Peace lily
NO JACKET REQUIRED: maybe not for the summer but be wary when walking barefoot in the grass. Yellow jackets have nests underground or in woodpiles and can cause serious reactions if stung especially if you are allergic. Wear close-toe shoes to avoid getting stung and allergic persons should always carry their Epipen.
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