Allergic Interactions: The Effects Of Food Allergies

Imagine: Your throat and ears become itchy, your face turns red and begins to swell, lips get puffy, eyes dilate, your body breaks out in hives, and suddenly your throat begins to close and you are gasping for breath. The previously listed symptoms are indications of anaphylaxis or a severe allergic reaction. I experience these symptoms every time I encounter one of my eight life threatening allergens. During my past seventeen years, I have endured many allergic reactions and have learned to adjust my lifestyle to them. Over time, the ability to skim over wrappers or containers and pick out hazardous ingredients has almost become second nature, and personally I don't mind doing so. It keeps me healthy and safe, without causing an inconvenience to others. However, after recent events, it has come to my attention that there is a significant amount of people who are unaware of the effects of food allergies, and how they can directly impact another's health status. What I have come to realize is that I may not be able to cure the world of allergic reactions, but I can present a resolution of prevention. Though the people may not be perfect, I believe the world can become a safer and healthier place for those affected by allergens, by promoting anaphylaxis awareness in
schools, public places, and in the food industry. By encouraging allergy awareness in schools, we can prevent more allergic reactions from occurring. When I first found out I was allergic to nuts, I was in first grade. Suddenly, I had to explain to my classmates why I could no longer sit next to them at lunch if they had peanut butter, and why I had to carry around a shot in my backpack. To first graders this all seemed very strange and many of them became curious or found amusement in my allergy. Most were fascinated by the rarity, while some would threaten to touch my face with peanut butter. These happenings would of course scare me and led me to become more cautious of my peers. Due to my childhood experiences, I learned to become self-reliant when dealing with issues concerning my allergies. Later though I soon realized that with the exception of my friends, if I were to go into anaphylaxis, many of my peers would be unable to save my life. Due to the lack of education, many of the kids in my own class do not even know how an epipen works. I find this extremely alarming, which is why I believe that in order to to prevent more allergic reactions from occurring, our school systems must teach from an early age the severity of allergies and the importance of allergen awareness. I think that schools should hold sessions in which educate students and staff on what allergies are, how to approach those with severe allergies, what happens if someone were to react, and what do afterwards. By doing so, children will be able to grasp a better understanding of allergies and their impact on others' lives. By promoting anaphylaxis awareness in public places, we can create a healthier and safer environment for those around us. From personal experience, I have learned that festivals and sporting events tend to be the most dangerous for people with allergies. Food such as peanuts are carelessly dropped or spilled at these places, thus allowing the dust from the allergen to rise into the air. Many might suggest that those who have severe allergies not attend events such as these. I believe that everyone deserves the same opportunities and should not be put at disadvantage because their health issues may inconvenience others. I think the public, should increase advertising of the severity of allergies and have designated areas for eating peanuts. By doing so, the allergen is contained but people can still enjoy them. By advocating for a change in the food industry, many allergic reactions could be prevented.
Having many allergies and food intolerances, I have to religious check the packaging on food products. Majority of big companies. indicates whether or not their product contains or may contain an allergen. However, many small business owners don't put the same effort into their ingredient description. I think in order to increase awareness of these allergies it should be required to provide an ingredient list for all menus and to also separate 'regular' from products with common allergens. By doing so I believe the world can become safer and healthier for those affected by
allergies. Therefore, Though the world may not be perfect, I believe we can prevent more allergic reactions from occurring, by promoting anaphylaxis awareness in schools, public places, and in the food industry. By implementing my solution, the world will gain a better understanding of allergens and how to handle situations involving allergies. By doing so, maybe we can create a more considerate and socially aware society.