Food Allergies on the Rise: No Surprise!

How Many EpiPens?

The latest findings published in the June 25, 2012 issue of Pediatrics will come as no surprise to school nurses, teachers, pediatricians and anyone in the food allergy community. "Allergic Reactions to Foods in Preschool-Aged Children" found that reactions among young children are rising. No coincidence that the number of EpiPens in the school nurse's office and the number of school districts adopting food allergy management plans has also been increasing.


The study did indicate several reasons for the rising numbers of reactions:

• lack of vigilance
• misreading ingredient labels
• allergen cross-contact
• non-accidental allergen feeding 
• under-utilization of epinephrine for severe reactions

A few other items of note to me from this study:

• severe reactions were due to ingestion, rather than exposure through skin or inhaling
• there continues to be a hesitancy to administer epinephrine for anaphylaxis. Reasons cited included not being able to identify symptoms as an allergic reaction, unavailability of epinephrine, feeling too afraid to administer epinephrine  and waiting for additional symptoms. 
• 11% of the reactions were as a result of purposeful reintroduction by the family. I've reported on our experiences in reintroducing foods at home. While we've discussed this with our allergist, I can certainly see how frustration with lack of progress and higher medical costs may lead parents to try this at home.

And so we continue reading ingredient labels, maintain vigilance and avoid cross-contact. It's disturbing though that the number of reactions is increasing and yet we still can't find a root cause. It was recently referred to as "an epidemic" and while I agree that we need to continue to raise awareness, we certainly need to annihilate allergies to food once and for all.

Food Allergies Linked to Soaps, Toothpaste

Antibacterial Chemicals Linked to Food Allergy

A Johns Hopkins study further antibacterial chemicals and preservatives found in personal-care products, like soap and toothpaste, with the increases in food and environmental allergies.

In a June 18, 2012 Hopkins press release, lead investigator Jessica Savage, M.D., stated, "We saw a link between level of exposure, measured by the amount of antimicrobial agents in the urine, and allergy risk, indicated by circulating antibodies to specific allergens”. Researchers were quick to point out that they are not saying these chemicals CAUSE allergies, rather that they may play a role in the increases seen in allergies.

Specifically, the study looked at seven ingredients- bisphenol A (found in plastics) and triclosan, benzophenone-3, propyl, methyl, butyl and ethyl parabens (found in personal-hygiene products and some foods and medications). This study found that triclosan, as well as propyl and butyl parabens were associated with increased allergy risk. Food allergy risk was more than twice as pronounced in children with the highest levels of urinary triclosan as in children with the lowest triclosan levels.

Many of us have been saying for years, "there's got to be something causing all these allergies". We do need to take a closer look at chemicals added to products, foods and medications to pro-long shelf life or for marketing purposes. As other studies get underway, I know I'll be looking even more closely at ingredient labels on our personal care products. If a product contains triclosan or parabens, I'll find another.

Food Allergy Life and Lunch Boxes

Reusable Lunch Boxes

Ah, the temperatures are soaring past 100, summer vacation has arrived and so has annual ritual of cleaning out the backpacks. Stinky socks, food wrappers and unused book covers are pulled from pockets and pouches. After a turn in the washing machine, the backpacks come out looking like new.

Not so for the lunch boxes, I'm afraid. After daily use all school year, the tears and stains are beyond repair. Fortunately there are great products available for re-usable lunch boxes. I really like the options at ReUseIt. They have a huge selection and their stainless steel LunchBots are on sale now. Bento-Ware offers Bento Lunchboxes or entire Lunch Systems with removable inner compartments and utensils. For some original designs, check out Etsy's Urban Harmonie. Looking for a reusable lunchbox that clearly states "Food Allergy"? Try Allergy Apparel's Food Allergy Alert Lunchboxes or AllerMates "I Have a Food Allergy" Lunch Bag.

Food Allergy Assistant loves all the great choices in eco-friendly re-usable lunchboxes. From preschooler to college student and even into the workplace, stylish lunch bag options abound.

I must say though, I miss my metal Partridge Family lunchbox!

Best Dishwasher Detergents

At the beginning of our food allergy journey, we kept separate utensils and cookware to minimize cross contamination from allergens like dairy, eggs and nuts. Over the years we've come to rely more on the dishwasher to clean kitchen items effectively and much of our kitchen-ware is used for all food prep. So, it was with great interest that I read the July 2012 article in Consumer Report, "Dishwasher Detergents: A Tarnished Reputation?"

While the article doesn't specifically address food allergens, the testing did evaluate whether detergents removed food residue like peanut butter, pudding and cream cheese. This is important in a household where some family members eat peanut butter sandwiches and bagels with cream cheese, while others are allergic to those same ingredients. The winners? Finish Powerball Tabs, Cascade Complete All in 1 Action Pacs and Finish Quantum. 

I know that some households feel more comfortable keeping all allergens out of the kitchen, or at least keeping separate utensils and cookware. Due to the large number of allergies we were dealing with, that wasn't working on our house. I frequently change dishcloths and try to buy the detergents most highly rated for removing food residue. Fortunately Consumer Reports did the work for us and I'm comfortable with any of their top three.

AllerMates: Special Products for Special Kids

 I know...how adorable are these products from AllerMates!?! From lunch bags to charms to t-shirts AllerMates makes sure that kids with allergies feel special and are noticed. Let's face it, when we can't be with our young food allergic kids we want the adults around them to know that while they look perfectly healthy, caution needs to be taken.

I'll never forget the time I wrote to an after-school activity advisor mid-year about an upcoming party. I reminded her about my child's food allergies. Her response? "Oh, that's right. I forgot. Thanks for reminding me."

Needless to say, we skipped that party.

Allergic reactions can happen quickly. Wearing an identifying charm or t-shirt or using a well-labeled lunch bag ensures that everyone knows about a specific allergy. 

 I had the opportunity to review some of the AllerMates products. I found the lunch bag to be sturdy and well insulated. It even comes with an allergy info card that slips into the outside of the bag. There are AllerMates tags to thread on silicone necklaces or wristbands (latex and nickel free!) all with the cartoon characters sporting names like P.Nutty, Professor Wheatley and Pint. It's a fun way to offer a serious reminder.

Check out the AllerMates website. It's very kid friendly and designed  to share with your little ones. Their coloring pages and activity sheets teach kids about allergies in a fun and cool way.

Who knows? Soy Cool and Detective Fin may soon be as popular as those other kid-friendly characters- Sponge Bob and Elmo!