Food Allergies: Are You At Risk?
By Debbie WilsonDebbie.Wilson@MedicalHealthCareCareerSchools.com
Medical Healthcare Career Schools Columnist
Food allergies aren't just reserved for children. In recent years, food allergies in adults have more than doubled. But what' even more staggering is the fact that as an adult, you're less likely to outgrow a food allergy, and the effects on your body can be significantly more severe than those found in younger kids. If you think you might have a food allergy, don't wait. Visit a qualified allergist immediately.
What You Don't Know Can Hurt You
In order for an allergist to treat your specific food allergy, it is important to first understand what a food allergy is. In its most basic form, it is an immune reaction to a specific protein in a food. Food allergies develop after your body builds intolerance to a particular food, which can take months or even years.Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions can happen with many different types of foods; however, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the most common allergenic foods include: milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, nuts, wheat, and soybeans. Symptoms can happen quickly, which is why it's so important to visit an allergist immediately. Even if you've never had a reaction, an allergist can run tests to assess your risk.Career As An Allergist
Each year, more than 30,000 adults are admitted to the ER for food allergies, and for approximately 150 of these individuals, the reaction is fatal. Becoming an allergist can be an extremely rewarding career. There have been numerous new scientific and technological solutions and alternatives to food allergies, both common and unique. If you find yourself intrigued by medical science, and you enjoy working closely with others, a career as an allergist might be exactly what you're looking for.About the Author
Debbie Wilson operates a lakeside resort. Her previous experience includes profitability consulting for a national health-care company. Debbie holds a B.A. in Business Management with a minor in Physical Education
Posted on: June 9, 2006
