Do you love a food, but are you afraid of what will happen to your body if you eat it? Maybe it will cause rashes all over your body and make it difficult to breathe? If you or someone in your family has a food allergy, you may be very familiar with this feeling. It can be really annoying, and sometimes scary. But if you are properly informed and take the necessary steps, you can live with this condition without any problems and safely . Today, we will talk about how to live with this condition safely.
Let's always be prepared for an emergency!
The most important thing for someone with food allergies is to be prepared for an emergency that could arise at any time. You should think twice about this, especially if you have severe allergies.
Some people can have a very severe reaction to even a small amount of an allergic food. We call this anaphylaxis . It can make it difficult to breathe and can be life-threatening. Doctors prescribe a special medication for people with such severe allergies. It is an epinephrine auto-injector . This is a small device that looks like a pen. It is designed so that you can inject yourself into the thigh area in an emergency.
If your doctor has given you a device like this, take it with you wherever you go . Make it a habit to take this with you just like you take your phone when you leave the house. Because if you accidentally eat a food you are allergic to, this could be the best thing you can do to save your life.
Imagine that you have eaten something you are allergic to without knowing it. You start to itch, your lips swell, and you feel like you have difficulty breathing. You are not sure if this is really a reaction or not. However, even if you have the slightest doubt, use your Epinephrine auto-injector right away . It will not harm you. However, if it is a true anaphylaxis, it can save your life. After taking the medicine, go to the ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) with someone immediately. Because sometimes a secondary reaction can occur, it is important to stay under medical supervision.
Another good habit is to keep a small card in your purse or wallet that clearly states what foods you are allergic to. When you go to a restaurant or event, you can show this card to the chef, manager, or waiter before ordering food. That will help them serve you a safe meal.
Hidden Allergens
There may be times when you think, "I didn't eat this, so how did I have a reaction?" In fact, sometimes allergens can be hidden in the foods we eat that we don't even realize are there. We call these "Hidden Allergens." It's important to be aware of these.
Think about situations like these:
| Occasion / Place | Hidden allergen and risk |
|---|---|
| Deli Counters | Since the same slicer that cuts meat also cuts cheese, small amounts of milk proteins from the cheese can get into the meat. We call this cross-contamination . |
| Some dishes in restaurants (e.g. Grilled Steaks) | To enhance the flavor and appearance, there are times when melted butter is added after grilling meat. This is risky for those with dairy allergies. |
| Canned Meats | Casein, a protein found in milk, is sometimes added to these to preserve and maintain their texture. |
| Some specialty coffee drinks | Egg whites are sometimes used to make the beautiful foam topping on top of coffee. If you are allergic to eggs, be careful with this. |
| Ethnic foods such as Asian and Mexican | Peanuts are widely used in Chinese, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisine. Even if they are not directly added to the food, they can cause allergies if they are cooked in peanut oil or prepared in a kitchen that uses peanuts. |
| Some toys and items | There are cases where some toys, such as beanbags and hacky sacks, are filled with crushed peanut shells. Be aware of these as well. |
| Food Labels | Some labels state "May contain traces of nuts/milk/soy." This means that a small amount of the allergen may have been accidentally added during the manufacturing process. It is safest to avoid foods with these labels. |
So, if you're eating out or buying something from the store, think twice about it. Don't be afraid to ask questions . There's no shame in asking things like, "Does this have peanuts?" or "Does this use butter?" It's essential for your safety.
Take-Home Message
- If you have a severe allergy, always carry the Epinephrine auto-injector prescribed by your doctor. It could be your lifesaver.
- If you suspect an allergic reaction, use the medicine as soon as possible. Don't delay . Then go to the nearest ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) immediately.
- Always carry a clear card with you that lists the foods you are allergic to. Use it when eating out.
- Always read the labels of the foods you buy carefully. Be especially careful of words like "May contain."
- Be aware of cross-contamination (the spread of allergens from one food item to another). Ask about this when eating out.
- If you have any concerns about your allergies, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor . He or she will give you the right advice.
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