Allergy Awareness and Education

Ignorance is not always bliss…in a world like mine, it is deadly. My goal is to advocate and educate about food allergies. As a life-long sufferer of numerous food allergies, I hope to help others through my personal journey. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or comments. "Human existence is based upon two pillars: compassion and knowledge. Compassion without knowledge is ineffective; knowledge without compassion is inhuman."

[allergic-to-ignorance]

As a fellow allergy sufferer, I would just like to say that I enjoy your blog

Thanks so much! I got hacked and haven't been active for years, but love coming back to messages like these <3

[nursenotes]

1. Fist: Make a fist around the epi-pen, don’t place your thumb/fingers over either end

2. Flick the blue cap off

3. Fire. Press down into the outer thigh (the big muscle in there), hold for 10 seconds before removing (the orange cap will cover the needle). Bare skin is best but the epi-pen will go through clothing. Avoid pockets and seams. 

- Ring an ambulance even if everything seems to be fine!

[sassyjavert-deactivated20151015]

Oh my god. So as someone who has to carry an epipen EVERYWHERE I am so happy to see that there’s an info post about them. Like in the extreme case that I can’t inject myself, somebody else would have to do it, but nobody knows how to do it! Thank you, this may just save my life some day.

[dontbeanassharry-deactivated201]

Don’t be wimpy about it, either. I know friends who are like, “but idk if I could stab you with a needle!” Please stab me with the needle, don’t be hesitant about it.

In my case (I can’t speak for all allergies), an epi buys me 20 minutes of breathing to get to the hospital. It is not a magic bullet, it’s a few critical minutes to help get me where I need to go.

[theroguefeminist]

For those who don’t know, people with serious food allergies carry epinephrine which is an adrenaline shot just in case they have anaphylaxis, which is a life threatening allergic attack. This shot is life-saving and must be administered to someone who is having an anaphylactic attack as SOON AS POSSIBLE, because an extra waited minute could mean their life.

It doesn’t hurt much at all to use this needle. The first time I used mine, I didn’t even feel it. But be sure to stab it IN THE OUTER THIGH. Do not stick it anywhere else or you could seriously hurt or kill someone. Just right to the outside of the thigh and then call the ambulance - even if your friend starts doing better, they could have a biphasic reaction, meaning a reaction that comes back (or they may need a second dose, be on the look out). If your friend has an epipen, then they have an epipen trainer that doesn’t have a needle and you can try it out just to be sure you know how to use the real thing if you have to. I’d also advise holding it a few more seconds then 10, maybe go for 14 just to be sure all the medicine is administered and that you didn’t count too fast - that’s what I did.

Here’s a graphic of where to stick it:

[unillustrated-man]

THANK YOU FOR THE GRAPHIC I was about to ask because my mom carries one around and so do some of my friends and I wanted to make sure I would do it right if I ever needed to!

[glutenfreethings]

Learn about this or get a refresher, if you’re not already familiar.

[briellestudies]

one of the first things I told my roommate during freshman move-in day was how to use this epi pen on me in case I wasn’t able it administer it on myself. luckily she’s never had to but this is very useful information for everyone! 😊

[celiac-zine-blog1]

As the rise of anaphylaxis continues, this becomes one of the most important posts on the Internet. I’ve shown everyone who spends time with me how to use one as it will one day probably save my life. Don’t be afraid to tell your friends!

[allergic-to-ignorance]

Is Goat’s Milk Safe for Dairy Allergy? | Allergic Living

Allergic Living is the leading magazine for those with food allergies, celiac disease, gluten sensitivity or environmental allergies. It features in-depth articles, news and safe recipes.

This is something I always wondered about. Glad to have a concrete answer and explanation. 

[allergic-to-ignorance]

Allergic Living is the leading magazine for those with food allergies, celiac disease, gluten sensitivity or environmental allergies. It features in-depth articles, news and safe recipes.

[allergic-to-ignorance]

Sanofi abandoning Auvi-Q after dosage problems led to total recall

Sanofi is poised to terminate its Auvi-Q marketing deal says PDL Biopharma, citing manufacturing issues last year which led to a complete recall of the epinephrine injection product.

[allergic-to-ignorance]

How to Dispose of Epinephrine Auto-Injectors

If you have been prescribed an epinephrine auto-injector because you or a family member is at risk of anaphylaxis, you should carry two devices with you at all times to make sure you have quick acc...

[allergic-to-ignorance]

Got A Nut Allergy? Take A Boat!

It was Christmas Eve, and we were flying home on JetBlue Airways from the Bahamas on a full flight. The flight attendant approached our area and made the announcement that there was a peanut aller...

[allergic-to-ignorance]

When Kids With Food Allergies Are Treated Like Outsiders at School

When Shelby Barone walked into son Andrew’s class at school on Valentine’s Day, she found the kids decorating cookies. Shelby, whose son nearly died from his first allergic reaction to peanuts at age 2, says she understand why the school took peanut allergies seriously. He felt different because of

[allergic-to-ignorance]

So sad. Unfortunately, those highest at risk for fatal allergic reactions are children and teenagers/young adults. It’s not worth it to take risks. Always remember to be prepared for the worst - at least 2 auto-injectors should be on your person at all times! Benadryl and an inhaler are something I also never leave the house without. 

[allergic-to-ignorance]

Allergic reaction to peanut residue kills 22-year-old Twin Cities man

Days before, Bruce Kelly had eaten chocolate from the same container with no reaction, his mother said.

Tragic

[allergic-to-ignorance]

Did you know? Most (but not all) children outgrow milk, egg, soy and wheat allergy. Fewer children outgrow peanut or tree nut allergy. Outgrowing a food allergy may occur as late as the teenage years. For help with managing food allergies, join our exclusive community: http://community.kidswithfoodallergies.org/

[allergic-to-ignorance]

[allergic-to-ignorance]

[allergic-to-ignorance]

This is the most frustrating misconception I have to deal with in regards to my milk allergy. Coming in at a close second is when people assume I also cannot have eggs. Because eggs come from cows apparently.

I can't even count the number of times people have confused this, and actually had the nerve to say to me, "No, you're not allergic, you're lactose intolerant." or "They're the same thing." Not being able to properly digest lactose is completely different than an immune system overreaction that can potentially be fatal. No, I cannot have "just a little bit", there is no magical pill I can take before eating something, I can't even touch it without my skin instantly becoming red and swelling with hives.

This misunderstanding is very dangerous for people with a true milk allergy. Assuming it is lactose intolerance, people don't take it quite as seriously, since even the most severe symptoms only cause discomfort. They may not be as careful in regards to cross contamination when preparing food, they may not be prepared for a life threatening reaction, they may think a trace amount of cream or butter in a dish won't be enough to do anything, etc. So not only is it frustrating to hear comments like these, it's scary, especially coming from someone in the food industry who is preparing your food.

Food allergy - An overreaction of the immune system to a specific food protein. When the food protein is ingested, it can trigger an allergic reaction, ranging from mild symptoms (rashes, hives, itching, swelling etc.) to severe symptoms (skin reactions - hives and swelling and pale or flushed skin, constriction of airways, drop in blood pressure, neurological symptoms such as confusion and anxiety/feeling of doom, loss of consciousness, etc.) A food allergy can be potentially fatal.

Lactose intolerance - People who are lactose intolerant are missing the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. Therefore, they are unable to digest these foods, and may experience symptoms such as nausea, cramps, gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Lactose intolerance can cause great discomfort, however it is not life threatening.

This is a popular misunderstanding! (Lactose intolerance vs milk allergy). Here's the scoop on what you need to know about milk allergy:http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/page/milk-allergy.aspx

[allergic-to-ignorance]

[allergic-to-ignorance]

[allergic-to-ignorance]