Introduction to Food Allergies in South Florida

More South Florida children are reporting food allergies, a trend that is concerning parents and medical professionals alike. For Carla Lam, the mother of 12-year-old Emma, the experience of almost losing her child to a severe allergic reaction is still vivid. Emma’s ordeal began when she was just a year and nine months old and had a severe reaction to a cookie with peanut butter.

The Incident

Carla recounts the day her daughter had the severe reaction, describing how Emma’s face had "completely blown up" and she was unresponsive. Emma spent 21 days in the hospital following the incident. The experience was traumatic for Carla, who was unaware of the severity of food allergies at the time. She recalls, "I had no idea that a food allergy could lead to what I experienced in 2012."

Understanding Food Allergies

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans as major food allergens, with sesame recently added to this list. According to Food Allergy Research and Education, a national advocacy group, 32 million Americans have food allergies, with about 5.6 million of them being children. This number is growing, prompting concern among healthcare professionals.

Treatment and Management

Dr. Vivian Hernandez-Trujillo, a pediatric allergist and immunologist, notes that while epinephrine can save lives in cases of severe reactions or anaphylaxis, there are few treatment options available for food allergies. The only FDA-approved product for peanut allergy, for ages 4 to 17, is an oral immunotherapy. Otherwise, avoidance is the primary strategy. Dr. Hernandez-Trujillo emphasizes the importance of children with food allergies having epinephrine available in schools, as it gives control over potentially life-threatening situations.

School Policies on Food Allergies

There is a lack of uniformity in school policies regarding food allergies. Dr. Hernandez-Trujillo wishes for uniformity in using detailed forms for emergency action plans, such as the one recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. These forms contain a child’s picture, explain what anaphylaxis may look like, and outline steps to take in case of exposure to a known allergen. Both Miami-Dade and Broward public schools have seen a rise in reported food allergies, with Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) noting a significant increase.

Navigating Food Allergies

Emma attends a private school in Miami-Dade that is nut-free, but she always carries a potentially life-saving dose of epinephrine. She has learned to navigate her peanut allergy, often choosing to skip meals if she’s unsure about the ingredients. Carla hopes to raise awareness about the struggles of those with food allergies, urging others to consider the challenges faced by individuals with food allergies.

Resources

For those diagnosed with a food allergy, learning about the allergy and advocating for oneself is crucial. Resources are available from organizations like Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FARE offers a sample emergency care plan and detailed resources for navigating a food allergy diagnosis. Red Sneakers for Oakley, a food allergy awareness organization, also provides helpful information.

Conclusion

The rise in food allergies among children in South Florida is a concern that requires attention from parents, schools, and the medical community. By understanding food allergies, their management, and the importance of having emergency plans in place, we can work towards creating safer environments for children with food allergies.

FAQs

• Q: What are the most common food allergens?
  A: The most common food allergens recognized by the FDA include milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame.
• Q: How many Americans have food allergies?
  A: According to Food Allergy Research and Education, 32 million Americans have food allergies, with about 5.6 million of them being children.
• Q: What is the primary treatment for food allergies?
  A: The primary treatment for food allergies is avoidance of the allergenic food. Epinephrine is used in cases of severe reactions or anaphylaxis.
• Q: Where can I find resources on food allergies?
  A: Resources are available from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), and organizations like Red Sneakers for Oakley.