Death From Food Allergy, One Is Too Many, They Are Always Tragic!
Recently media commentators have cast doubt on the seriousness of food allergies and the number of deaths from these reactions. These reports show us that we still have a lot of work to do to educate others about food allergies. The bottom line: there is no effort to exaggerate or inflate the numbers as at least one critic would have you believe. We agree with the concern that we still lack the most precise accurate data for the number of allergic reactions and tragic deaths.
Regarding the number of deaths for food allergy each year, the data FAAN reports are from the world’s leading scientists and have been published in a peer-reviewed medical journal.
Additionally, an FDA study in the January issue of the Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology commented on the fact that the types of surveys being done do not necessarily pick-up fatal reactions, and that well over 50 percent of food-induced anaphylactic reactions are misdiagnosed.
Other studies have also indicated that allergic reactions to food are often incorrectly coded as some other condition. FAAN follows what the scientific community reports and limits its statements to those that have an evidence base, and clearly labels others as opinion.
Food allergy deaths are not reportable events according to the CDC. They are captured in standard mortality data using ICD-10 codes, just like any other cause of death. Unfortunately, food allergy deaths are often incorrectly coded on death certificates which means they aren’t officially counted as deaths due to food allergy.
Once again this emphasizes the need for additional federal funding for research and education for this allergic condition which affects up to one in 25 people in America.
Whether the number of deaths each year is 15 or 150, the real issue is, why are people dying and what we can do to prevent it? Deaths due to allergic reactions to food are always a tragedy. They most often affect younger people, aged 15 to 35, and permanently scar families. Surveys and research into the cause of these deaths almost always show that they are preventable. If you’ve ever talked to a family whose child has died, they will tell you food allergy MUST be taken seriously, and it is important for everyone to understand that it can be deadly.
FAAN believes that without increased public awareness and education there would have been even more deaths from food allergy reactions.
The holidays mean lots of social activities, parties, and distractions. Be sure you carry your medication, have a written plan from your doctor for managing your allergy and don’t hesitate to go to the ER if you have an allergic reaction. Importantly, remember to always ask about ingredients and be especially careful of baked goods and food items for which there is no label.
Please take care of yourselves, focus on keeping your loved ones safe. |
