Preventing the Problem

Scientist are working hard to find a cure for food allergies. One promising area, says Dr. Sampson, is the development of an anti-IgE antibody—a once-a-month shot that ties up the IgE antibodies so they can’t bind with mast cells to trigger a reaction. A vaccine to fight peanut allergies is also in the works at Mount Sinai hospital in New York City.

Until there’s a way to stop reactions from taking place, the only safe course for people with food allergies is keeping the offending foods at arm’s length. For parents, especially, this can prove troublesome, since they can’t always control what their child eats, particularly at school or a friends’ house.

It’s such a dangerous world out there for Matthew,” according to Montoya, who, when her son was 18 months old, found that he had serious milk, egg and peanut allergies. “Most parent worry about freak accidents like having their child get hit by a car. I worry about my son being exposed to milk—an item that’s in almost every refrigerator in the country.”

● Read ingredient lists carefully. A product labeled “normally,” for one, may still contain milk-derived ingredients (such as casein or whey), which can trigger allergies in a milk-sensitive individuals, according to Anne Munoz-Furlong, founder and CEO of the Food Allergy & Anaphlylaxis Network (FAAN).

● Inquire about ingredients in menu items at restaurants. Also find out whether the food has been cooked next to or with allergy-causing foods. Depending on the allergy, doctors usually recommend avoiding entirely restaurants or stores that serve the high-risk foods. For people with peanut allergies, especially, this means Asian restaurants, bakeries, ice-cream parlors and buffets.

● Be prepared with medication that can counter the symptoms of an anaphylactic attack. The EpiPen contains epinephrine, which stops the allergic reaction. It does, however, require a prescription.

● Seek out support. Families with food allergies say advocacy groups can be lifesavers, especially for the newly diagnosed. FAAN, for example, is a clearinghouse that provides information on everything from food label reading to recipe ideas. Munoz-Furlong, whose own daughter, was diagnosed with food allergies over 17 years ago, says information like this is often the best weapon in the war against allergies.

“Food allergies are serious, but you can’t live your life in fear,” she says. As long as you stay informed about what you or your child is eating, the both of you can have a long happy and healthy life. – Alyssa Shaffer