Tuesday, February 12, 2019 Chances are you have heard and seen the increase in conversations and awareness regarding food allergies in our schools, daycares and public spaces.
A recent publication from The Journal of the American Medical Association, and republished by The American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, brought nationwide attention to allergies, specifically food allergies and how they impact our lives. This new study of more than 40,000 adults surveyed suggests Americans may be overdiagnosing themselves with food allergies without having a formal diagnosis from a medical professional. The findings estimated that nearly 19 percent of the adults surveyed thought they had a food allergy but 10.8 percent actually did.
“Knowing the difference between an intolerance and an allergy diagnosis is vital to creating the right care plan with our patients,” said Melissa Blanchard, RN, of North Country Otolaryngology & Audiology at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital (NVRH). “When some people say they have an allergy, it may be an intolerance.”
An allergic reaction can be life-threatening, and if not treated quickly, anaphylaxis can lead to death; whereas, an intolerance makes you feel bad, bloated, upset stomach, etc. Intolerances are dose dependent, meaning the more you eat the worse you will feel and are not life-threatening. An allergic reaction, however, can be triggered by a trace amount of exposure and is life-threatening.
It is important that we educate ourselves and use the correct terminology when discussing an allergy versus an intolerance so the correct plan of action and care can be followed. If you feel you may have an allergy or an intolerance, it is important to see a medical professional who is trained to determine the difference. They will provide direction on how to avoid, manage and treat it based on your results. For some, it may mean learning what to avoid and what are the consequences if not. For others, it may mean avoiding something but, if they are exposed, knowing how to administer an Epi-pen and knowing to go to the emergency room.
How can you help? First, everyone can take responsibility and be aware of the terminology they are using. Second, maybe you are unclear about whether you have an allergy or an intolerance. The good news is you can do something about it.
“We aim to provide high-quality, local allergy evaluations and treatment for all age ranges,” said Patrick Fitzpatrick, DO, of North Country Otolaryngology & Audiology at NVRH. “All it takes is a referral to our office from your primary doctor. We are here to help.”
Contributed by Sarah Winans, Physician Office Manager at North Country Otolaryngology and Audiology at NVRH
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