Prior to his diagnosis, Boger had no known allergies and had never known a family member or friend with food allergies. So the diagnosis came as a shock. But with the advice of his doctor and the continued support of his family, he's been able to educate himself, manage his allergy and cope with the anxiety that often comes with it. He asks good questions, follows his doctor's advice and manages the risks of his condition so he can lead a normal and productive life.
Food allergies are the body's immune response to a specific food or component of food.
They affect about 1 percent of the adult population, but for those who have them, the problem is potentially serious. Common signs and symptoms may include hives, itching, swelling, wheezing, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and dizziness. A severe allergic reaction to food may lead to a life-threatening condition called anaphylactic shock , in which the airways constrict and blood pressure drops dramatically, causing lightheadedness, difficulty breathing or even unconsciousness and death. Many foods can cause a food allergy, but the most common culprits are peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish especially shrimp fish, milk and eggs. Eggs, mushrooms and, recently, rice cause problems for Boger.