Next week is Food Allergy Awareness Week
Food Allergy Week runs from the 21st of May to the 27th and is organised by Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia (A&AA) to raise awareness and promote understanding about food allergies. Ocean Medical Practice, Bondi is promoting Food Allergy Awareness help protect the Bondi, Bondi Beach and surrounding community.
Food allergies are a growing health concern in Australia and around the world. According to Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia, one in 20 children and one in 50 adults in Australia have a food allergy. Food allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies a protein in a particular food as harmful and produces an immune response to it. The immune system then releases chemicals such as histamine, which can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Common food allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish.
Symptoms of a food allergy can include:
- Hives or skin rash
- Itching or tingling in the mouth
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness or fainting
Food Allergy can be sometimes be confused with Food Intolerance and it is important to distinguish between the two as the management is different. Our Bondi Rd Doctors can review you and/or your child’s symptoms to help better manage Food Allergy and Food Intolerance. Food Allergy Week encourages people to learn more about food allergies and take steps to reduce the risk of exposure to allergens, such as reading food labels carefully, asking about ingredients when eating out, and carrying an epinephrine auto-injector (Epipen) in case of an emergency.
At Ocean Medical Practice – Your local Bondi Road GPs and Doctors can assist you and/or your child with food allergies by providing a range of services:
- Diagnosis: Our Bondi Rd GPs are experienced in diagnosing food allergies by taking a detailed medical history, performing a physical examination, and ordering allergy testing. They can also refer you to an allergist for further testing and treatment.
- Managing Allergies: Our Bondi Doctors can provide guidance on how to manage food allergies, including avoiding allergens, carrying an Epipen (if necessary), and developing an emergency action plan, and referral to an immunologist. Our GPs can also refer you to a dietitian, who can assist you in developing a healthy diet that meets your nutritional needs while avoiding allergens.
- Treatment: Our Bondi Beach GPs can assist with you re-introduce food groups, prescribe medications, such as antihistamines to treat allergic reactions. They can also refer patients to an allergy specialist for immunotherapy, which involves gradually increasing exposure to allergens over time to build up tolerance.
By taking steps to reduce the risk of exposure to allergens and supporting those living with food allergies, we can help improve the lives of those affected by this condition.
For more information, visit Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia https://allergyfacts.org.au/ or speak to one of our friendly GPs.
Ocean Medical Practice is located in the heart of Bondi (across the road from Australia Post). We are 15 minutes walk from Bondi Beach and Bondi Junction on Bondi Rd.us ride from Sydney CBD.
