Allergies
Food allergies cause anaphylactic shock, the most severe type of allergic reaction, which can lead to death within minutes if left untreated. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this affects 30,000 people and causes 150 deaths annually. It's unknown why severe food allergies are on the rise, says Steven Taylor, professor of science and technology at the University of Nebraska. Some scientists believe that there is a genetic link, but there are other theories.
Eight allergens account for 90 percent of allergic reactions in most people: milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soy, tree nuts - like walnuts and almonds, fish and shellfish. Some children outgrow their allergies to milk, wheat, soy and eggs, but rarely outgrow allergies to peanuts and fish, and fewer children outgrow milk and egg allergies, says Dr. Helen Skolnick, an allergist in Princeton, N.J.
Allergies occur when the body's immune system reacts to normally harmless proteins by producing antibodies to attack them, which can cause a rash or upset stomach. Children may also develop hives or skin reactions from touching peanut butter or milk, but they will not go into anaphylactic shock unless they ingest it, says Dr. Nicholas Pawlowski, an allergist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in King of Prussia, Pa. Every child reacts differently, however, so allergy plans must be individually tailored with the help of consulting physicians.
