Food Allergy 101
Fast Facts
About 6.9 million Americans are allergic to fish or shellfish.Did you know that almost 12 million Americans have a food allergy? Whether you’ve just been diagnosed, have been avoiding a food for years, or have a friend with an allergy, here we have provided some helpful information on food allergies.
Food Allergy Basics
Food allergies cause more than 30,000 emergency room visits every year. Learn more about the symptoms of food-allergic reactions and what you can do to stay safe. Also, check out our animation of what happens in the body during a food-allergic reaction.
Alcohol and Epinephrine: Do They Mix?
Alcoholic beverages are commonly served at social events for those who are 21 years old and older. Be aware of the effects alcohol can have when combined with epinephrine.
Research 101
Scientists have discovered that in the past 5 years, peanut allergy in children has doubled and the number of Americans with a food allergy has increased from 6 million to approximately 12 million. Find out what researchers are studying about food allergies. Also, check out our food allergy calculator to figure out approximately how many people in your class or in your school have a food allergy.
The Kissing Study
A study published in 2006 examines an issue that is very important for teenagers with food allergies: how to know when you are safe to kiss someone who has eaten the food to which you are allergic.
Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis
Some individuals can experience a severe allergic reaction when they exercise, or when they exercise after eating a certain food. Get the facts about exercise-induced anaphylaxis.
Protect Yourself
Despite your best efforts to avoid the food to which you are allergic, accidents happen. Learn how to keep yourself safe in any situation.
Who's Afraid of Epinephrine?
Nervous about the needle in your epinephrine auto-injector? Get the facts about what it’s like to inject yourself – a quick response could save your life.
After a Reaction Occurs
Sometimes the cause of a reaction is obvious; sometimes it takes a little detective work to find the flaw in your avoidance plan. Here are the steps to take after you’ve had a reaction.
How Your Friends Can Be Your PALs
When Patricia started to have a food-allergic reaction on the subway, her friend Carla saved her life by knowing how to handle an emergency. Learn more about FAAN’s Be A PAL: Protect A Life from Food Allergies program.
