Food Allergies & Intolerances
Instructions: How much do you know about food allergies and dietary sensitivities?
- 1.
What is the most common food allergy in children?
AShellfishBWheatCPeanutsDMilk - 2.
What severe, life-threatening allergic reaction can occur within minutes of exposure to an allergen?
AEczemaBAnaphylaxisCHivesDRhinitis - 3.
What medical device is used for emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions?
AInhalerBThermometerCEpiPen (epinephrine auto-injector)DBlood pressure cuff - 4.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune reaction triggered by eating what?
AFructoseBLactoseCCaseinDGluten - 5.
Which of these is one of the 'Big Eight' most common food allergens?
ARiceBChickenCCornDTree nuts - 6.
What is the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance?
AAn allergy only affects childrenBAn intolerance is more dangerousCThey are the same thingDAn allergy involves the immune system; an intolerance does not - 7.
Lactose intolerance is caused by a deficiency of which enzyme?
ALipaseBLactaseCAmylaseDProtease - 8.
Which nut allergy is one of the most common and potentially severe food allergies?
APine nutBCoconutCMacadamiaDPeanut - 9.
What protein in cow's milk is most commonly responsible for milk allergies?
AAlbuminBCaseinCWheyDLactose - 10.
What percentage of the adult population is estimated to have a food allergy?
AAbout 25%BAbout 4%CAbout 1%DAbout 15% - 11.
Histamine, released during an allergic reaction, causes which common symptoms?
AItching, swelling, and hivesBFever and chillsCHearing lossDMuscle cramps - 12.
Which seafood allergy is the most common food allergy in adults?
ASalmon allergyBTuna allergyCShellfish allergyDSardine allergy - 13.
Can food allergies develop later in life, even to foods previously eaten without problems?
ANo, all food allergies develop in childhoodBOnly if you stop eating the food for yearsCYes, adult-onset food allergies can occurDOnly in people with other allergies - 14.
What condition causes a tingling or itchy mouth after eating certain raw fruits or vegetables?
AAcid refluxBOral allergy syndromeCFood poisoningDVitamin deficiency - 15.
What method of food preparation can sometimes reduce allergic reactions to certain fruits?
ACooking or heatingBSoaking in waterCAdding saltDFreezing
Answer Key
Cow's milk allergy is the most common food allergy in infants and young children, affecting about 2-3% of children under three. Most children outgrow it by age five.
Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause breathing difficulties, a drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness within minutes.
An EpiPen delivers a dose of epinephrine (adrenaline) to counteract severe allergic reactions. It constricts blood vessels, relaxes airway muscles, and reduces swelling.
Celiac disease is triggered by gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It causes the immune system to attack the small intestine lining, impairing nutrient absorption.
The 'Big Eight' food allergens are milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans. They account for about 90% of all food allergic reactions.
A food allergy triggers an immune system response and can be life-threatening. A food intolerance (like lactose intolerance) causes digestive discomfort but does not involve the immune system.
Lactose intolerance occurs when the body produces insufficient lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose (milk sugar). This leads to bloating, gas, and diarrhea after consuming dairy.
Peanut allergy is one of the most common and severe food allergies. Even trace amounts can trigger a reaction in sensitive individuals, and it tends to be lifelong.
Casein is the most common protein trigger for cow's milk allergies. It makes up about 80% of milk protein and can cause immune reactions in allergic individuals.
About 4% of adults have a food allergy. However, many more people believe they have food allergies than actually do, often confusing allergies with intolerances.
Histamine causes itching, swelling, hives, and in severe cases, breathing difficulty. Antihistamine medications work by blocking histamine receptors to reduce these symptoms.
Shellfish allergy is the most common food allergy in adults, affecting about 2% of the population. It includes reactions to shrimp, crab, lobster, and other crustaceans.
Adult-onset food allergies can develop at any age, even to foods previously tolerated. Shellfish allergy, for example, most commonly develops in adulthood.
Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) occurs because proteins in some raw fruits and vegetables are similar to pollen proteins. People with hay fever may experience tingling or itching when eating them.
Cooking can break down the proteins that cause allergic reactions in some fruits and vegetables, especially in cases of oral allergy syndrome. Many people who react to raw apples can eat cooked apples.