Many of the things that we think we know about food allergies are really just myths – stories that you hear often, but not based on science. This material is designed to help you learn about food allergies.

Myth Number 1: Food allergies are very common
Fact: Although 25 percent of people believe they are allergic to certain foods, studies show that about only 6 percent of children and 2 percent of adults have a food allergy. A true food allergy is a reaction triggered by the immune system (part of the body that fight infection). Many people simply a food intolerance, which gives the unpleasant symptoms of food dexlansate (but does not involve the immune system).

Myth No. 2: Most people who have food allergies are allergic to strawberries and tomatoes.
Fact: Although people can be allergic to any food, most food allergies are caused by nuts, cow’s milk, eggs, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish.

Myth No. 3: Some people are allergic to sugar.
Fact: A condition to be called food allergy is when the immune system believes that a protein in a food is viewed as “foreign” and fight against it. This does not happen with sugars and fats.

Myth Number 4: Milk allergy is very common in adults
Fact: Milk allergy is more common in children than in adults. Symptoms of milk allergy include hives, vomiting and respiratory problems after eating dairy products. Many adults may have similar symptoms to allergy to milk. Adults often have trouble digesting milk sugar. This is called “lactose intolerance”. This is not a true allergy. Symptoms of lactose intolerance are bloating, cramping, nausea, gas and diarrhea.

Myth No. 5: People with food allergies are allergic to many foods.
Fact: Most people with food allergies are allergic to less than 4 foods.

Myth Number 6: Food allergies make people hyperactive
Fact: The most common symptoms of food allergy are hives immediate (high swelling on the skin), swelling, skin rash, itching or tingling in the mouth, a metallic taste in mouth, cough, breathing problems or wheezing, tightness in throat, diarrhea and vomiting. The person may feel that something bad will happen, have pale skin because of blood or unconsciousness. The most common chronic diseases associated with food allergies are eczema and asthma.

Myth Number 7: Allergy to food coloring
Fact: Natural foods cause most allergic reactions. Studies have found that some food additives such as tartrazine and aspartame an artificial sweetener, can cause problems in some people.

Myth Number 8: Food allergies are dangerous?
Fact: Food allergies can be fatal if severe enough to cause a reaction called anaphylaxis. It blocks the airways making breathing difficult. In this situation trebuieste quickly made a treatment called epinephrine. It can save your life. If you or your child have a severe allergy, seek medical advice.
Once a food allergy is diagnosed, avoid foods that they caused. If you have allergies, you should read the labels on all prepared foods you eat. Your doctor can help you learn how to avoid eating. If your child has food allergies to school to announce avoid eating these foods.