These reactions can be fatal if medication or medical help are not quickly provided. Those who suffer from both asthma and food allergies appear to be at increased risk for anaphylactic reactions. The number of students with food allergies is increasing, and will probably continue to do so in the future. A recent study by Hugh Sampson, director of pediatric research at the Johns Hopkins Children's Center in Baltimore, showed that the number of patients with food allergies doubled between 1981 and 1991, with peanuts identified as the leading cause. Other health professionals have reported similar increases in food allergies.
Additional risks can come from allergens hidden in baked goods, desserts, and ethnic foods.
Many students will have only mild allergic symptoms after eating the wrong food, but some will react immediately after ingesting even minute amounts. In rare cases, children may be so sensitive that even smelling a particular food creates mild allergic symptoms. Unfortunately, no one can predict how serious a reaction will be or when it will occur. Strict avoidance is the only way to prevent an allergic reaction. In each case, the victim unknowingly ate the food to which he or she was allergic.