Food allergies are no longer a rare inconvenience; they’re a growing public health concern affecting families everywhere. From lunchrooms to birthday parties, 6.2% of adults and 5.8% of children in the U.S. are navigating a world where a single bite can mean a trip to the ER. Allergies have increased in children by 50% from 2007, and are increasing by 1% per decade. As stated by FoodAllergy.org,
“There are currently more than 170 foods that cause allergies, and 220 million people globally experience food related allergies.”
With allergies becoming more prevalent in society today, peanut and dairy are the top two allergies affecting most. Allergies have no cure and can cause life-threatening symptoms. As stated by the Food and Drug Administration,
“The majority of allergies just cause skin and digestive discomfort. However, some can cause a deadly reaction called anaphylaxis.”
This could potentially cause permanent damage to the body, or in more severe cases, death. Sophomore Colin Trochowski is allergic to peanuts, and it is rather severe.
“Having a peanut allergy is quite devastating for me because I have to be very cautious with what I eat, and especially when I go to parties or cookouts, I can’t eat anything unless I bring my food.” Trochowski said
As stated by the Food and Drug Administration,
“The majority of allergies just cause skin and digestive discomfort. However, some can cause a deadly reaction called anaphylaxis.”
Anaphylaxis is an allergic reaction that causes the immune system to release chemicals, causing the body to go into shock.This could potentially cause permanent damage to the body, or in more severe cases, death.
Most humans who suffer from allergies find it harder to eat things they like, but some feel it encourages them to eat healthier. As stated by Mayo Clinic, “Allergies can be uncomfortable and unexciting.”
Senior Michael Elsass has anaphylactic food allergies to dairy, eggs, shellfish, fish, tree nuts and kiwi. He thinks his allergies have helped shape him to eat healthier.
“I would say that food allergies have made me healthier because they help me avoid lots and lots of fatty junk foods and candy,” Elsass said.
Some individuals must always carry an EpiPen to avoid the risk of having an allergic reaction to something to which they may be exposed. An EpiPen works fast, releasing epinephrine into the bloodstream, which helps guide breathing back to normal and opens up the airways to the lungs.
Sophomore Zeb Sucaldito has a peanut allergy. Similar to others with an allergy, he believes it is irritating to carry around the EpiPen all the time.
“The worst part about having an allergy is that I always have to carry an EpiPen around everywhere I go, which can sometimes take up space,” Sucaldito said.
Facing an allergy can make it difficult to find food that is suitable for allergy requirements. Many brands may create safe food, but the factory it is processed in may contain peanuts or the foods they are allergic to. For example, M&M’s factory processes peanuts, which puts a risk on all the food eaten from there for those with a peanut allergy.
“Having an allergy is hard because there usually are some foods that I can eat, however they may be processed in a facility with peanuts making them unable for me to consume.” Trochowski said.
Mayo Clinic explains that, “facing an allergic reaction can range from minor irritation to a life-threatening emergency.”
Allergies are more than just a reaction to a food or substance. They cause the immune system to overreact and in severe cases can cause death.
Michael Elsass feels that his allergic reactions are dreadful and cause the procedure of recovery to be delayed.
“If I eat something that I’m allergic to, it is an excruciating process and takes a long time to recover from it.” Elsass said.
Although Epipens are painful, they can help to slow breathing and relax the muscles. In addition, developing a food allergy has become more frequent and is definitely not a positive thing.

Sophomore Zeb Sucaldito
What is it like having an allergy? – “Having an allergy can sometimes get annoying because you have to ask every time there is a treat of some sort.”
Does having an allergy restrict you from a majority of things?- “Yes, it limits what I can eat or not eat because some things may be made differently than how I usually have them.”
What is your favorite food that is safe for you to eat?- “My favorite food that is safe for me is sour patch kids or skittles.”
Do you ever wish you didn’t have an allergy?- “Sometimes I wish that I didn’t have an allergy because I don’t get to eat and try things that others around me say are so good.”