How dangerous is food allergy?

Summary 

Food allergy is the inappropriate and harmful response of the immune system to specific food proteins that are normally harmless. In susceptible individuals, adverse reactions can range from mild skin reactions to severe and life-threatening reactions. Food allergy is the most common cause of severe allergic reactions in children.

The connection between danger and allergy is deeply ingrained in the public and medical consciousness. Communication of the risks, or lack of risk, of life-threatening reactions, although important, is not the whole story in managing rapid hypersensitivity. Paramount is the need for a ‘care package’ including advice and backup as well as appropriate treatments.

Keywords: Food allergy, Allergic reactions, Risk, Epinephrine autoinjectors