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Food AllergensUnit 6

+What is a Food Allergy?An allergy occurs when the bodys natural defenses overreact to exposure to a particular substance, treating it as an invader and sending out chemicals to defend against it. Food allergy is an abnormal response to food, triggered by the bodys immune system.

+Although nearly any food is capable of causing an allergic reaction, only eight foods account for 90% of all food-allergic reactions in the United States. Allergic reaction is also known as anaphylaxis.

+Eight AllergensPeanutTree nutsMilkEggsWheatSoyFishShellfish

+Symptoms of an Allergic ReactionHivesEczemaItchy mouth or ear canalNausea or vomitingDiarrhea Stomach painNasal congestion or runny noseSneezingOdd taste in the mouthUterine contractionsObstructive or swelling of the lips, tongue or throatTrouble swallowingShortness of breathTurning blueDrop in blood pressure (feeling faint, confused, weak)Loss of consciousnessChest painA weak pulse

MildSevere

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