Anaphylaxis and Food Allergies

In Australia food allergies affect approximately 1 in 10 infants and 1 in 100 adults. Some of these allergies can cause severe and life threatening reactions known as anaphylaxis, while some people only experience minor effects such as a rash or itching. While the prevalence of food allergies is increasing at alarming rates, researchers continue to try to understand why this is happening. Due to this increase it is becoming more and more important for people to understand the risks of allergic reactions and how to manage them.

What are the most common food allergies?

The foods that trigger 90% of food allergic reactions in Australians include:

Food

• Milk
• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Sesame
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Wheat
• Soy

While peanut, tree nut, fish, shellfish and sesame allergies are usually lifelong, children often grow out of milk and egg allergies.

It is important that people with anaphylaxis and those caring for them know how to avoid anaphylactic triggers, can quickly identify symptoms and know how to respond if a reaction occurs.

How do I know if I am having an anaphylactic reaction?

If you have anaphylaxis and you come into contact with a food you are allergic to, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Tightness of the throat from swelling
• Difficulty breathing
• Tongue & facial swelling
• Hoarse voice or difficulty speaking
• A wheeze or persistent cough
• Collapse or falling unconscious
• Becoming pale or floppy (young children)
• Abdominal pain & vomiting
• Hives, welts & body redness

How do I avoid food I am allergic to?

When it comes to life threatening food allergies, all stages of food preparation are important. People with anaphylaxis can be so sensitive to certain substances that even slight traces can cause a severe allergic reaction. If you have experienced an anaphylactic reaction from a particular type of food or you have a family history of severe food allergies, you should see a doctor. Your doctor will organise for you to get tests so that you know which foods to cut out of your diet completely.

If you have been prescribed with an auto-injector you should carry it with you at all times so that when you experience the early signs of anaphylaxis you can administer this shot immediately.

When buying food:

• Learn how to understand labels.
• Read the ingredients list carefully.
• Look out for warnings like ‘This product may contain traces of nuts’.

When eating away from home:

• Ask about food content and preparation.
• Make sure it hasn’t been prepared on the same surface as a food you are allergic to.

If your reaction can be set off by simply breathing in or touching a food allergen:

• Avoid leaning on public tables that may contain traces of food allergens
• Be wary on airplanes: Foods such as peanuts are often served on airplanes, so be wary of traces of nuts on your chair and tray table.
• See if you can request a flight where peanuts are not served

Alcohol:

• Some alcohol can contain traces of allergens such as eggs, tree nuts and seafood
• If you are unsure about a certain drink you should call the manufacturer to determine whether it is safe for you to have.

People with anaphylaxis rely on food labels and food outlet staff to provide accurate information about food preparation and content. This information determines whether food is safe for them to eat, however in many cases it is not 100% guaranteed. When it comes to food allergies, the risk can never be completely eliminated. It is therefore important to have your adrenaline auto-injector with you at all times and know what to do in the case of an emergency.

First aid for Anaphylaxis

If someone’s symptoms and signs suggest anaphylaxis you should follow their Anaphylaxis Action Plan or take the following steps:

• Lay victim flat, do not stand or walk, if breathing is difficult, allow to sit
• Prevent further exposure to the triggering agent if possible
• Administer adrenaline through auto-injector:
  • Child less than 5 years – 0.15 mg intramuscular injection.
  • Older than 5 years – 0.3mg intramuscular injection
• Call an ambulance
• Administer oxygen and / or asthma medication for respiratory symptoms.
• Further adrenaline should be given if no response after five minutes.
• If breathing stops follow resuscitation and life support procedures.

For more information about anaphylaxis read Guideline 9.2.7 by Australian Resuscitation Council.