Facts about Food Allergies in America
An estimated 12 Million Americans or one in 25 have some form of food allergies according to FAAN (Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network). It is an alarming trend that by some estimates account for up to 300,000 emergency room visits each year. No one seems yet to understand the reasons for this dramatic rise in incidents, and awareness to this alarming trend needs to be raised.
Here are some more alarming statistics:
- Peanut Allergy doubled in Children over a 5 year period (1997-2002)
- The incidence of food allergy is highest in children – one in 17 under the age of 3, which today is estimated at about 3 million children. Given that they cannot effectively communicate these allergies to caregivers makes this statistic quite alarming
- A 2007 study showed that Milk Allergy may last longer than previously thought. Of 800 with milk allergy, only 19 percent had outgrown their allergy by age 4, and only 79 percent had outgrown it by age 16.
- Each year in the U.S., it is estimated that 100-200 people die from anaphylaxis due to food allergy reactions. Death can be sudden and in some instances can occur within minutes.
- Eight foods account for 90 percent of all food-allergic reactions in the U.S. These foods include Milk, Eggs, Peanuts, Tree Nuts (Walnuts, Almonds, Cashews, Pistachios, Pecans), Soy, Wheat, and Shellfish
- At this point there is no cure for food allergies
- Even trace amounts of these foods can cause an allergic reaction
- Most folks that have had an allergic reaction to something they ate initially thought that it was safe
- Food Allergies are life altering for those affected and require constant monitoring and vigilance.
- Early administration of Epinephrine (Adrenaline) through injection is the current way to treat severe anaphylactic reactions to food allergies. Epinephrine is available via prescription.
For more information please visit The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network www.foodallergy.org