Food Allergy Awareness Week
5.19.2017
The Governor of Connecticut, His Excellency Dannel P. Malloy
has proclaimed the week of May 14-20, 2017 as
FOOD ALLERGY AWARENESS WEEK.
The official statement reads in part that of the 1.5 million Americans affected by food allergies, 6 million are children under the age of 18 . Food allergies are on the rise and severe reactions account for 300,000 ambulatory care visits to emergency facilities each year. Reactions occur when someone unknowingly eats a food containing an ingredient to which they are allergic.
Eight foods are responsible for 90% of all food allergies. They are peanuts, tree nuts, egg, wheat, milk, soy, fish and shellfish. But there are many others including sesame , spices and certain meats.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include hives, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress and swelling of the lips and throat, and may lead to anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis is a serious reaction that can be rapid in onset and may cause death unless an epinephrine injection is administered immediately, followed by proper emergency medical care.
At this time there is no cure for food allergy, and the only way to prevent a reaction is strict avoidance of the offending food .
This proclamation is a welcome attempt to educate the public and increase awareness of the serious nature of a food allergy, especially for children. You could save a life by recognizing the symptoms of an allergic reaction and taking action.
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For more information you can visit www.FoodAllergyEdNetwork.org
