Have you ever had a red rash all over your body after eating a delicious meal, itching unbearably, and sometimes even having a little trouble breathing? Or has this happened to someone you know? Most of the time, this is due to a food allergy, or as we say in English, a 'Food Allergy'. Although this is a bit scary, if managed correctly , you can live a normal life without any problems. So today, let's talk about how to stay safe with this food allergy .
Simply put, what is a food allergy?
Simply put, this is an unwanted reaction that occurs in our body's immune system. Normally, our immune system fights harmful things like germs and viruses. But in some people, the body mistakenly identifies some harmless foods (for example, cashews, milk, eggs, shrimp) as an "enemy". When it recognizes them, it starts to fight against that "enemy". As a result of this fight, the aforementioned symptoms such as itching, rash, swelling of the lips, and difficulty breathing appear.
Remember, being allergic to a food is different from being "bad" for a food. An allergy involves the immune system, so the results can be severe.
Follow these tips to stay safe.
If you have a food allergy, it's important to be mindful of these simple things in your daily life. It's like looking both ways when you're walking down the street. It's easy once you get used to it .
1. Always be prepared for an emergency.
This is the most important thing. If your doctor has prescribed you an antihistamine , take it with you wherever you go. Also, if you have severe allergies, your doctor may prescribe an adrenaline or epinephrine auto-injector (like an EpiPen). If you have been prescribed one, make sure you know how to use it and keep it with you at all times. This can be a lifesaver.
2. Read the label of every food you buy from the store.
The packaged foods we buy from the store have a list of ingredients. Read it carefully . Sometimes the thing you are allergic to may not be directly listed, but may be mentioned under another name. For example, someone with a milk allergy should be aware of not only the word 'milk' but also words like 'casein' and 'whey'. If in doubt, don't buy that food.
3. Give priority to packaged foods
Imagine you went to a hotel salad bar or bakery. The utensils there, such as spoons and knives, can be used for different dishes. For example, if you cut a cake with cashew nuts with the same knife, you could get an allergy even if that cake does not contain cashew nuts. This is called cross-contamination . Therefore, it is much safer to choose well-sealed and packaged foods.
4. Don't be afraid to speak at a restaurant.
When you go out to eat with friends, tell the waiter or manager about your allergy. Ask clearly, "I'm allergic to shrimp. Does this dish have shrimp or shrimp paste in it?" Also, choose a dish that is as simple and minimal as possible. Because something like a curry with a lot of ingredients is more likely to have something that you don't like.
5. Keep a card with your allergies written on it.
This is something that is used in many developed countries, but it is also very useful for us. A 'Chef Card' is a small card. It simply lists the foods you are allergic to and the serious consequences that can occur if you eat them. When you go to a restaurant, you can send this card to the kitchen. Then it will be easier for the Chef to prepare a safe meal for you.
6. Wear something that identifies your allergy.
It is very important to wear a medical ID, such as a bracelet or necklace. If you suddenly develop a severe allergic reaction and are unable to speak, this ID will help someone helping you understand your condition.
Action Plan in an emergency
Inform your family, close friends, people at your workplace, and if you have a child, school teachers. It is essential that they know what to do in an emergency.
| Nature of the reaction | What to do |
|---|---|
| Mild Reaction (e.g. a small skin rash, a few bruises) | Give the antihistamine prescribed by the doctor. Keep the patient calm and observe. |
| Severe Reaction / Anaphylaxis (e.g. difficulty breathing, swelling of the face/tongue, dizziness, loss of consciousness) | Go to the nearest hospital emergency department (ETU) without delay . If you have an epinephrine auto-injector prescribed by your doctor, use it. |
7. Be aware of hidden allergens
Sometimes, it's not just food that you're allergic to. They can also be found in certain medications, soaps, lotions, and other products. For example, peanut oil can be found in some skin creams. So, it's wise to research a new product before using it. If you have any questions, ask your doctor .
The most important thing is, if you are showing signs of a severe allergy, do not even think about treating yourself at home. Go to a hospital, especially the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU), without delay.
Take-Home Message
- If you have a food allergy, don't be ashamed or afraid of it. It's just your body's way of reacting.
- Always keep emergency medications ( antihistamines , epinephrine) close at hand. And make sure you and your loved ones know how to use them.
- Make it a habit to read the labels of the foods you buy at the store. If in doubt, avoid the food.
- If you are eating out, inform the restaurant staff about your allergy.
- If you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) (difficulty breathing, facial swelling), go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
- Talk openly with your family doctor about any questions or concerns you have in this regard.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න