Food Allergies, Why are they so deadly?

As we come close to the end of food allergy awareness week, I think it’s appropriate to go over some of the most common food allergies around the world, and some of the symptoms the person might experience. It’s so important to be aware of these allergies and have some knowledge on what people with these allergies may need to avoid.

Milk Allergies

Milk allergies are arguably the most common food allergy currently in the world. It is estimated that 65% of the human population are lactose intolerant. Some symptoms people might experience during an allergic reaction to milk are Hives, Wheezing, Itching, Tingling, Swelling, Coughing, and vomiting.

People with Milk allergies should avoid foods such as Milk itself, Butter, Yogurt, Ice cream, and cheese.

Peanuts

In the UK alone 1.76% of people currently have a peanut allergy although this number might seem small but in population that’s over 1 million people! Peanut allergies vary and the majority of the time an allergy to peanuts means an overall allergy to all tree nuts, Such as almonds, cashews, pistachios, and walnuts. An alarming fact to bare is that although only 1.76% of people currently have a peanut allergy in the UK, over 50% of deaths related to allergies – peanuts are responsible.

Eggs

Egg allergies are most common among infants and young children; Around 2% of children globally are allergic to eggs. It can be really hard to avoid eggs sometimes, for example foods such as mayonnaise, pasta, protein shakes, baked goods, and eggs themselves.

Wheat

As a person with a gluten intolerance, I feel this one on a deeper level. Foods such as pizza, bread, cereals, baked goods, certain condiments, cookies, and doughnuts everything you can think of that would make you hungry and happy I can’t have it. However, I’m not alone, globally 1% of people currently have an intolerance to wheat!

Deadly Shellfish Allergies

It is estimated that between 0.5-2.5% of the general population have allergic reactions to shellfish. Shellfish allergies tend to be more common among Asian countries rather than in western countries due to geographic cuisine. A Shellfish allergy can vary; someone with a shellfish allergy may not be able to eat Crab, Prawn, lobster, snail, oyster, scallop, squid, octopus, and mussels.

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