11 Facts About Food Allergy

1. Over 12 million Americans have food allergies. That’s 4% of the population, or 1 in 25.
2. Every 3 minutes someone goes to the emergency room because of a food allergy reaction.
3. Food allergies are most common in young children.
4. Between 1997 and 2008, peanut allergy has tripled in children.
5. 90% of food-allergic reactions in the US are due to: soy, eggs, nuts (peanuts, tree nuts, walnuts, etc.), milk, fish, wheat, and shellfish.
6. Young people with food allergies are 2 to 4 times more likely to have other related conditions such as asthma (or other allergies).
7. Food allergy is the leading cause of anaphylaxis outside of a hospital setting.
8. Boys appear to develop food allergies more than girls.
9. According to the CDC, food allergies result in over 300,000 ambulatory-care visits a year for young people under 18.
10. There is no cure for food allergies. Within minutes of experiencing symptoms of anaphylaxis, epinephrine must be promptly administered. It’s available by prescription in a self-injectable device. (i.e. EpiPen, Twinject, or Adrenaclick)
11. Most allergic reactions occurred as a result of foods that were thought to be safe.

Sources:

The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network

foodallergy.org