developing
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allergies
Developing New Food Allergies
A person can develop food allergies at any point in his or her life. Children under three years old are more likely to develop allergies than adults. Previous reactions cannot "predict" future reactions. Food allergies can "grow" over time. That's why one always has to be cautious in what they eat. Never take chances. If you are developing food allergies try to adapt to the changes and carry your epinephrine. Epinephrine can save your life! It only takes one bite! Don't take the chance!!!
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The incidence of food allergies has increased approximately 50% since 1997. Researchers are trying to discover why food allergies is on the rise but there is no clear explanation. Experience and studies suggest that genetics and environment play a strong role. Children born into families with a history of allergies have a higher chance of developing it themselves.
Our environment is very different from 50 years ago. There are more pollutants, and chemicals that can alter the body's response to allergens. According to one research finding, children who live in a rural areas and are exposed to farm animals are less likely to develop allergies than children who are raised in the city. In addition, vaccines, antibiotics, and medicine have changed radically, defeating many viruses and illnesses, saving millions of lives. However, the vaccinations may be affecting our immune system thus causing food allergies.
Tips for Newly Diagnosed People
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CONSULT YOUR ALLERGIST
Allergists are trained expertises in food allergy and anaphylaxis. If you haven't done so already, take an allergy test to discover exactly what you're allergic to. Your allergist will expose you to a small percentage of your allergen then they will observe your reaction to the food particles. If you discover you do have an allergy, ask your allergist about epinephrine. Your allergist should fill out school paperwork for emergency administration.
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AVOID YOUR ALLERGENS
You can print an allergic reaction by strict avoidance. Even if the product says, "may contain", "processed on the same equipment", or "manufactured in a shared facility", don't eat it because there is a good chance that the food contains that allergen. The smallest exposure to a food allergen can result in a severe allergic reaction so be careful.
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ALWAYS HAVE YOUR EPINEPHRINE WITH YOU
People with food allergies must always prepare for the worst. Make sure every time you leave the house, you have your epinephrine with you. Because you have just developed food allergies, you may not be used to this. You may feel embarrassed to carry it but you have to for your safety. Deaths relating to food allergies can relate simply to forgetting your epinephrine at home.
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LEARN HOW TO ADMINISTER THE EPINEPHRINE AND TEACH YOUR FRIENDS
In addition to remembering to bring your epinephrine, you must be able to know how to use it. It is very easy to learn because there are numerous videos and instructions online, on YouTube, and on the back of the device. Your friends, family members, and teachers should learn how to use epinephrine in case you are unable to administer it. Don't hesitate to use it. It is always better to use it than hesitating to administer it.
READ THE LABELS OF ALL PACKAGED GOODS
Before consuming a food, check all of the ingredients and make sure it doesn't contain your allergens. Make sure you double check and read all of the ingredients because it might change. Check numerous food allergy websites to read if the presence of allergens has changed. When you go to a restaurant, ask a lot of questions about the meal. Don't hesitate!