May 2010     The prevalence of food allergies is on the rise. Worldwide research is yet to find the reason for this dramatic increase. Until a cure is found, education on food allergy, its management and emergency treatment is what will prevent reactions and save lives.

Maria Said from Anaphylaxis Australia is asking the Australian community to learn about food allergy so they can offer understanding and support children, teens and adults at risk. She says “Each time you take a bite of food during Food Allergy Awareness Week, spare a thought for those at risk of a food triggered allergic reactions.

For 2 % of Australian adults and 6% of children every bite counts. Food Allergy Awareness Week (May 16-22 2010) provides us with an opportunity to recap on our facts about food allergy. Until there is a cure, it is critical allergic individuals avoid their trigger food/s. Everyone has a role to play in making our community aware of food allergy and its risks”.

It is easy for those diagnosed at risk of anaphylaxis to become overwhelmed with the day to day management. Said, president of Anaphylaxis Australia reminds us that, “None of us are born knowing how to manage the risk of a life threatening allergy. We need to learn to navigate our way through a world where allergens exist. This can be frightening and at times, quite difficult, but with knowledge and support from those in our community, we can face the challenges that come our way and lead a close to normal life.”

Anaphylaxis Australia encourages people to become more aware of food allergy and support those at risk of anaphylaxis in whatever way they can. People with food allergy face risk with each meal.

 Education is the key to management of a potentially life threatening allergy. Food allergy must be taken seriously, so play your part and know the facts so you can support those at risk in the best way you can.

 We cannot ever eliminate risk but many reactions can be avoided if safety strategies are implemented. These strategies involve both the individual at risk and the person making or serving their food. It is crucial to always have the adrenaline autoinjector and Action Plan for Anaphylaxis easily accessible in case of an accident.

The ever growing number of people at risk of anaphylaxis means we need to educate health professionals, workplaces, gym staff, food service providers, university staff and not just school and childcare staff on food allergy and its ongoing management. It really is a public health issue that is a community concern.

Basic Food Allergy Facts

• There is currently no cure for food allergy. Recent research has provided some hope but until a cure is found, avoidance is the only way to prevent a reaction.
• Food allergy is on the increase. 6 % of children and 2 % of adults are at risk of a severe reaction.
• Anaphylaxis is unpredictable; if you have been prescribed an adrenaline autoinjector make sure you always have it with you.
• No autoinjector – No eat!
• Most reactions occur away from the safe haven of home.
• Fatal food anaphylaxis is most often caused by peanuts (50-62%) and tree nuts (15-30%).
• Risk factors for fatal anaphylaxis include failure or delay in administration of adrenaline, history of asthma and teenagers.
• 15,000 Australian children born each year will develop an anaphylactic food allergy.
• Australian hospitalisation rates due to food allergy have increased dramatically in the last decade.
  Peanut, tree nut, sesame, fish and shellfish allergy is usually life-long.

From a media release by Anaphylaxis Australia, May 5, 2010

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