During the holidays, when you go to parties at friends' houses or family gatherings, everyone is tempted to eat when they see a table full of different kinds of food. But if you have a food allergy, that is, an allergy , you have to think twice about what you share on your plate. Imagine, what if your aunt made a potato salad that was made according to a secret recipe passed down through generations, but you don't know what those secret ingredients are?
Outdoor events and parties like this can be a bit risky for you. Because there's no way to know exactly what's in the food your friends and relatives are cooking. Maybe those foods contain things you're allergic to, like peanuts, cashews, milk, wheat, eggs, or shellfish. Not only that, but even when sharing different types of food with the same spoon, there's a chance that something you're allergic to will end up on your plate.
But don't worry. If you're well prepared , your allergies won't have to ruin your fun.
Let's stay away from problems.
The best thing to do in such a situation is to be careful about the ingredients in a food if you are not sure about it. According to Hemant Sharma, an allergist, "If a person with food allergies does not know what is in the food and how it was prepared, it is best not to eat it." So when you are walking along the food table, if there is a food that is not labeled and the ingredients are not clear, skip it.
Be especially careful with these foods:
| Type of food | Why can it be risky? |
|---|---|
| Types of Salads | Mayonnaise is often added to things like pasta and potato salad. This is a problem if you are allergic to eggs. Vegetable salads may contain things like peanuts, cashews, eggs, and cheese. |
| Baked Goods | Bread and buns are made with wheat and eggs, which you may be allergic to. |
| Desserts (Sweets) | The dessert table is often a place full of nuts, wheat, eggs, and dairy products. |
| Sauces & Marinades | Homemade sauces and meat/fish marinades may contain secret ingredients such as fish oil, soy sauce, peanut butter, and milk. |
The hidden dangers of BBQ flames
A grilled piece of meat may seem like a simple, safe thing to do, but Lori Enriquez, a nutritionist and a person with peanut and gluten allergies, says we need to be careful about that too.
Often, meats are marinated in a homemade sauce before grilling. Eggs or breadcrumbs are added to make burger patties. Processed meats, such as sausages, can contain unwanted additives.
Imagine that you are not allergic to anything in the meat you eat. But the things that cause your allergies may be lingering in the grill itself.
For example, if someone previously grilled a burger with cheese on it, pieces of cheese might get stuck to the grill grates. This can be a big problem for someone who is allergic to milk.
Take your own things!
So what safety measures can we take?
The first thing to do is to talk to the event organizer about your allergies in advance . They may be able to prepare some special food for you, separate from the other food. But this should be discussed a day or two before the event, not on the day of the event.
But the best and safest thing is to cook some food yourself at home. You can take enough to share with others, but set aside your portion in advance. If you're grilling something like a burger or steak, wrap it in foil and place it on the grill to prevent it from getting mixed with other food.
If you have severe allergies , it's wise to bring your own cutlery and cups, because if someone touches a dip with milk in it and then touches a pile of plastic forks, you could still have a problem.
What to do if you have an allergy?
No matter how careful you are, sometimes even a small piece of food can unexpectedly trigger an allergic reaction. If that happens, be on the lookout for these symptoms. Let's break this down into two parts.
| Allergy symptoms | |
|---|---|
| Common symptoms | |
| - Hives or rash | - Stomach pain |
| - Itchy mouth, lips | - Vomiting or diarrhea |
| - Sneezing or runny nose | - Flushed skin |
| Severe symptoms that require emergency treatment | |
| - Swelling of the tongue, lips, or throat | - Chest pain |
| - Difficulty swallowing | - Weak pulse |
| - Difficulty breathing or wheezing | - Confusion and weakness |
| - Turning blue | - Passing out |
| - Low blood pressure | |
If one or more of these severe symptoms occur, especially in two or more parts of the body at the same time, it could be a sign of a very dangerous, life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis . This condition can become severe very quickly.
In such cases, emergency treatment with an epinephrine injection should be given immediately. Although antihistamines (e.g., piritan) can reduce itching and swelling, they are not appropriate as first-line treatment in severe cases such as anaphylaxis. Epinephrine is needed to save a life.
That's why the most important thing to take with you when you go to a party like this is your medication . Dr. Sharma says to definitely carry two epinephrine auto-injectors . Why two? "In some severe cases, the first injection may not control symptoms. Or you may have a second wave of symptoms."
Even if you're not 100% sure that your symptoms are due to an allergy, don't be afraid to use an epinephrine injection. It won't hurt anything, but it could save your life.
After getting the shot, you should definitely go to the nearest hospital emergency room (ETU) . So, know in advance where the nearest hospital is to where you are going. Make sure you have someone with you who knows your allergies, symptoms, and what to do if you faint. It is also a good idea to wear a medical ID bracelet.
Take-Home Message
- If you are unsure about the ingredients in a food, be sure to ask. If in doubt, avoid eating that food.
- Keep in mind that things you are allergic to may be hidden in things like salads, sauces, and desserts that are commonly seen at parties.
- It is wise to bring your own special, safe food and cutlery.
- Most importantly: Always keep your emergency medications, especially two epinephrine auto-injectors , on hand.
- Recognize the severe symptoms of anaphylaxis (swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing) and act immediately.
- After receiving the epinephrine injection, be sure to go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU).
- Meet with your doctor and develop an action plan for this situation.
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