Americans often suffer from food allergies. While the majority of reactions are mild, some can be serious and even fatal. Even though novel treatments are being developed, there is no cure for food allergies. To prevent serious health effects, it is crucial to meet an allergy doctor to identify the foods that trigger an allergic response and to strictly avoid them.

Common Food Allergies in the United States

Listed below are a few food allergies that are prevalent in the US. 

Milk Allergy

In the US, milk allergies affect 2 to 3 out of every 100 children. Previously, it was assumed that most children would cease being allergic by the age of three. However, now by the age of sixteen, approximately 80% of adolescents will no longer be allergic to milk. Moreover, People who are sensitive to milk from cows could be allergic to milk from goats or sheep. 

Egg Allergy

Egg allergy in the US is one of the most common food allergies among toddlers. The majority of kids ultimately outgrow this allergy. Duck, goose, or quail eggs can cause allergies in people who are sensitive to poultry eggs.

Eggs are present in many types of food. For instance in salad dressings and meat-based dishes like meatballs. Even a few egg alternatives can have egg protein in them. 

Finned Fish Allergy

In the US, about 0.4% of people are estimated to have a finned fish allergy. This allergy usually lasts for life and 40% of those with this allergy experience a reaction to fish during adulthood. A person’s likelihood of being allergic to another species of fish increases twofold if they are allergic to one. A finned fish allergy does not imply a shellfish allergy, but those who are allergic to fish should avoid seafood restaurants due to the high chance of cross-contact between finned fish and shellfish. They should also avoid seafood markets and areas where fish is being cooked.

Shellfish Allergy 

Many people in the United States have shellfish allergies, which typically develop in adulthood despite being the third most prevalent allergy in children. Crustacean allergies are especially severe and account for the vast bulk of shellfish allergy cases. This allergy usually lasts a person’s entire life, with approximately 60% of people experiencing their first reaction to shellfish as adults. Mollusks and Crustaceans are the two kinds of shellfish. Crustacean allergies are the most severe and make up the majority of shellfish allergy cases.

Tree nuts allergy 

A serious allergic response, 0.5% of Americans and 1.1% of infants in the US suffer from tree nut allergies. Tree nut allergies cause the second most typical reason for life-threatening allergic responses to food. Only a very small percentage of individuals experience remission from tree nut allergies, such as those to cashews, almonds, or walnuts. Tree nut allergies can result in anaphylaxis. It is a serious potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Moreover, this allergy can affect a small percentage of infants.

Wheat Allergy

Wheat allergies are common among teenagers in the US. The good news is that most children overcome this allergy before reaching adulthood. Around one-third of them can conquer it by the age of four.

Soy-Bean Allergy 

Soy allergy is more common in children. It is less prevalent than the rest of the allergies. In the US, it affects 1 in 4 children. Soybeans are in the legume family. Being allergic to soy does not raise your chances of being allergic to other legumes such as lentils,  peas, and beans.

Conclusion

A food allergy occurs when the body’s defense system overreacts to normally innocuous foods. This can result in signs affecting the skin, breathing, stomach, and heart. Immediately consult an allergist Germantown if you feel any symptoms of an allergic reaction.