When it comes to food allergies, it’s not always easy to separate fact from fiction. For example, how common are food allergies? Can the smell of peanut butter alone trigger a reaction? Should you use antihistamines to treat allergic reactions? Learn the truth behind food allergy  myths, and get the information you need to understand food allergies.

Food Allergy Myth #1: Food allergies are very rare or very common

Some people believe that food allergies are more fiction than fact. Others blame them for every ache and pain. In truth, food allergies are real and serious! But they may be more or less common than you think.

A whopping 30% of Americans identify as food-allergic. However, experts estimate that only 5% of adults and 8% of children have true food allergies. Some people who believe they have food allergies actually have food intolerances or sensitivities. These conditions involve different types of reactions in the body.

In the case of true food allergies, specific proteins (allergens) cause an immune reaction that affects multiple organs, such as the skin, gastrointestinal system, respiratory system, and cardiovascular system. The most common food allergens in the United States are milk, egg, peanut, tree nut, fish, crustacean shellfish, wheat, and soy. The Mayo Clinic notes that people with severe food allergies need to avoid their allergens completely. Even a tiny amount could trigger a potentially fatal allergic reaction.

In contrast, most food intolerances involve a digestive reaction. These reactions can be uncomfortable, even debilitating. But they are usually less serious than allergic reactions and rarely life-threatening.

If someone claims they have an allergy, take them seriously! Whether it’s a food allergy or an intolerance, you can support their health by helping them avoid their trigger foods.

Food Allergy Myth #2: A little bit is of allergen is okay

Some food allergy myths carry more risk than others. For example, a survey published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology found that 24% of restaurant staff believed that allergic diners could eat small amounts of allergen without reacting. And 25% believed that removing allergen from finished food (e.g., removing nuts from a salad) made the meal safe.

In fact, even tiny amounts of allergen can be deadly for those with severe food allergies!

People with severe food allergies should avoid their allergens completely, even in trace amounts. They should also avoid foods that list their allergens in a “may contain” warning statement. It’s also important to avoid cross-contact, which occurs when small amounts of allergen move from one place to another. This might happen, for example, if the same knife is used to spread peanut butter on one piece of toast and butter on another.

For more tips on how to purchase, prepare, and serve allergy-safe food, explore our “Cooking with Food Allergies” slideshow. With the right information and careful planning, you can prepare allergy-safe meals.

Food Allergy Myth #3: Smelling peanut butter is all it takes to trigger an allergic reaction

Odors aren’t the only thing floating through the air! In some situations, allergenic proteins can become airborne. For example, when fish is being cooked, allergic proteins can be vaporized and carried by steam. Small pieces of allergenic food can also become airborne when spilled or ground. This may happen with powdered milk, almond flour, or shards of peanut shells.

Smells, on the other hand, are made up of volatile organic  chemicals (VOCs). These do not contain allergens and cannot cause an allergic reaction on their own.

Inhaling airborne allergens, however, can trigger an allergic reaction. In most cases, reactions from inhalation are mild. In rare cases, they can be severe.

People with food allergies can reduce the risk of exposure by avoiding places where their allergens are being cooked, ground, or processed.

Food Allergy Myth #4: Hives always appear during allergic reactions

Allergic reactions vary from one person to another. They can also vary from one reaction to another, in the same person. Hives are not always present, so it’s important to learn how to recognize other symptoms too.

The list of symptoms an allergic reaction can cause is lengthy, and includes itchiness, a stuffy or runny nose, nausea, cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling of the mouth or throat, loss of consciousness, and a sense of impending doom—among  others. If untreated, severe allergic reactions can lead to death. Fortunately, deaths from allergic reactions are rare and preventable.

Food Allergy Myth #5: Antihistamines are the best treatment for allergic reactions

Epinephrine is the only medication shown to reverse the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction.

Unfortunately, research has shown that many people are nervous about using epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPen®), which contain a needle and pre-measured dose of epinephrine. They often rely on antihistamines instead (e.g., Benadryl®). But this can be dangerous! Antihistamines have not been shown to reverse the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. Delayed use of epinephrine increases the risk of death.

Food Allergy Research & Education notes that epinephrine should be given at the first sign of a severe allergic reaction. People with severe food allergies should always carry an epinephrine auto-injector with them. For children too young to carry one, the medicine should be kept nearby. It’s also important that allergic people learn how to administer the medication using an auto-injector training device.

HealthAhead Hint: Get the facts before you act!
Food allergy myths are not only common—they can be dangerous. This is especially true when these myths lead people to underestimate the risk of an allergic reaction. Help keep allergic children and other members of your community safe by separating truth from fiction. Explore HealthAhead for more tips and information about food allergies, including recipes for allergy-safe meals.