Food Allergies Research Paper
Food Allergies: Treat Becomes Threat
It may begin at a favorite restaurant, at school, at a private party. People share food every day without incident, enjoying the refreshments and good company.
Until a participant unknowingly eats a substance that causes dangerous swelling in the mouth and throat, sudden drop in blood pressure, severe itching or rash, extreme stomach pain and nausea, or unconsciousness.
Most food allergies cause only temporary, if irritating, symptoms: rashes and gastric distress are common. These can be relieved with antihistamines, steroid cream, or ingestible corticosteroids. For severe allergies, anaphylactic shock is a dangerous possibility.
Prevention is the Best Defense
With high stakes such as these, persons …show more content…
They should also be trained to administer emergency epinephrine. Ingredient lists for food service must be available to parents, and every effort made to eliminate cross-contamination.
Emergency Action
An epinephrine injection can mitigate the victim’s reaction to the allergen, and should only be used for the person to whom it is prescribed. Even when symptoms abate, call an ambulance immediately for transport to an emergency room, since another reaction is possible. Save a sample of the offending food, and make notes of the incident.
What Causes Anaphylactic Shock?
Anaphylaxis, the precursor to anaphylactic shock, is an overreaction of the immune system. A diminutive amount of the trigger food can cause an interlude, and not always to the same degree.
While any food can provoke a deadly reaction, the most common culprits are eggs, nuts, peanuts, shellfish, milk, sesame, and soy, plus some preservatives. Symptoms may appear immediately or after several hours.
Food Safety Legislation
Even with stringent precautions, critical oversights can occur. The Food Safety Act of 1990 allows for prosecution of business and individuals that are lax in supervising risks for food
It may begin at a favorite restaurant, at school, at a private party. People share food every day without incident, enjoying the refreshments and good company.
Until a participant unknowingly eats a substance that causes dangerous swelling in the mouth and throat, sudden drop in blood pressure, severe itching or rash, extreme stomach pain and nausea, or unconsciousness.
Most food allergies cause only temporary, if irritating, symptoms: rashes and gastric distress are common. These can be relieved with antihistamines, steroid cream, or ingestible corticosteroids. For severe allergies, anaphylactic shock is a dangerous possibility.
Prevention is the Best Defense
With high stakes such as these, persons …show more content…
They should also be trained to administer emergency epinephrine. Ingredient lists for food service must be available to parents, and every effort made to eliminate cross-contamination.
Emergency Action
An epinephrine injection can mitigate the victim’s reaction to the allergen, and should only be used for the person to whom it is prescribed. Even when symptoms abate, call an ambulance immediately for transport to an emergency room, since another reaction is possible. Save a sample of the offending food, and make notes of the incident.
What Causes Anaphylactic Shock?
Anaphylaxis, the precursor to anaphylactic shock, is an overreaction of the immune system. A diminutive amount of the trigger food can cause an interlude, and not always to the same degree.
While any food can provoke a deadly reaction, the most common culprits are eggs, nuts, peanuts, shellfish, milk, sesame, and soy, plus some preservatives. Symptoms may appear immediately or after several hours.
Food Safety Legislation
Even with stringent precautions, critical oversights can occur. The Food Safety Act of 1990 allows for prosecution of business and individuals that are lax in supervising risks for food