Food allergies affect 6 to 7 million Americans, or 2-2.5 percent of the population. About 2 million school-age children suffer from a food allergy. Food-allergic reactions cause an estimated 30,000 emergency room visits annually. Approximately 150 to 200 people die each year from food-allergy induced anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction.
Food allergy is the leading cause of anaphylaxis outside the hospital.
Epinephrine, also called adrenaline, is the medication of choice for treating a severe food allergy reaction. These foods are peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, eggs, milk, soy and wheat. Individuals with food allergies and asthma appear to be at an increased risk for severe allergic reactions. Most individuals who have had a reaction ate a food that they thought was safe. There is no cure.