What percentage of the entire US population do people think have food allergies according to the survey?
Click to see answer
25%.
Click to see question
What percentage of the entire US population do people think have food allergies according to the survey?
25%.
How many participants were involved in the food allergy perception survey in the US?
1000 participants.
How much does a single consultation with an allergist cost in Hong Kong?
Around HKD 1,600, excluding medications.
What organization conducted the food allergy perception survey in 2007?
IFIC Foundation.
Are allergy tests and treatments expensive in Hong Kong?
Yes, they are very expensive.
How many emergency room visits are estimated per year due to food-induced anaphylaxis in the US?
50,000.
What do many insurers consider allergies or asthma related to allergies?
A pre-existing condition.
What is a common screening tool for diagnosing food allergies?
Skin Prick Test.
What is a potential consequence of having allergies classified as a pre-existing condition by insurers?
You may not be eligible for coverage.
What occurs following exposure to an allergen?
A series of reactions in the immune system.
What is the estimated number of deaths per year due to food-induced anaphylaxis in the US?
150 - 200.
What is the primary function of the immune system?
To protect the body from potentially harmful foreign molecules.
What is histamine?
One of the major mediators that causes blood vessels to dilate and become leaky to plasma proteins.
Which test measures specific antibodies in the blood to diagnose food allergies?
Blood Test.
Is the prevalence of food allergies higher in boys or girls in Hong Kong?
Slightly more among boys.
What can infant-onset food allergies trigger later in life?
Other allergic diseases.
What is anaphylactic shock?
A generalized shock reaction that can lead to multiple organ failure.
Is food-induced anaphylaxis considered rare?
No, it is not rare.
What is the first step in the allergic cascade?
Sensitization to an allergen.
What is the likelihood of infants outgrowing their food allergies?
Most infants outgrow their allergy within months, especially if it occurs before 3 years of age.
What percentage of school-aged children are affected by one or more forms of allergy?
40 - 50%.
What is the primary strategy for managing food allergies?
Avoid the allergen-containing food(s).
Where is the immune system most active in the body?
In areas with direct contact with the outside world, such as the skin, lungs, nose, and gastrointestinal tract.
What effect does histamine have on sensory nerve terminals?
It causes itchiness.
What is the typical evolution of allergic disease associated with asthma?
It often includes asthma and allergic rhinitis.
How does the prevalence of food allergies vary among different age groups in Hong Kong?
It is similar among different age bands (infant, toddler, preschooler, primary school children, early secondary school children).
What are the severe symptoms of anaphylactic shock?
Severe loss of blood pressure and cardiac arrhythmia.
What is the prevalence of food allergies in Australia?
1 - 2% of the population.
What is a food challenge in the context of food allergy diagnosis?
A test where the patient consumes the suspected allergen under medical supervision.
What is epinephrine also known as?
Adrenaline.
What are the three levels of allergy prevention according to the World Allergy Organization?
Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Prevention.
What is the second step in the allergic cascade?
Early-phase response upon re-exposure to an allergen.
Which food allergies are most commonly outgrown within the first ten years of life?
Allergies to milk, eggs, soy, and wheat.
How many children had food allergies in 2012?
4.1 million.
What is the late-phase response in allergic reactions?
A secondary immune response that begins at the same time as the early-phase response but takes longer to manifest.
What can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals?
Trace amounts (ppm concentrations) of the offending food.
What percentage of immune activity occurs in the intestinal tract?
Over 60%.
What is the typical evolution of allergic disease without asthma?
It may occur without asthma and allergic rhinitis.
What can happen if anaphylactic shock is not treated immediately?
It can be fatal.
What percentage of the Canadian population has food allergies?
1 - 2%.
What percentage of food allergies in Hong Kong are single item allergies?
85%.
Where is epinephrine produced in the body?
By the adrenal gland.
How many children had skin allergies in 2012?
8.8 million.
What is an example of Primary Prevention for allergies?
Breastfeeding and avoiding second-hand smoke and air pollutants.
What percentage of children in Hong Kong are affected by food allergies?
5 - 8%.
What is the function of antihistamines?
They block the action of histamine.
What is the third step in the allergic cascade?
Late-phase response to an allergen.
What percentage of individuals outgrow peanut allergies?
Only 20%.
How long after the initial allergic reaction can the late-phase response occur?
Anywhere from about three to 10 hours later.
What causes allergies?
Hypersensitivity of the immune system to environmental substances.
What is a Food Allergy Action Plan?
A plan that includes informing family, friends, and caretakers about the allergy.
What happens during the early-phase response upon re-exposure to an allergen?
IgE of mast cells binds to the allergen, leading to cross-linking.
What happens during the sensitization phase of an allergic reaction?
The body produces IgE antibodies specific to an allergen without experiencing a reaction.
Why is the intestinal tract significant for the immune system?
Because the majority of potentially harmful molecules enter the body through it.
What are the two main classifications of adverse reactions to food?
Toxic and Non-toxic (host specific).
How many people are affected by allergic rhinitis globally?
400 million.
What type of food challenge is conducted in a hospital environment?
Double-blind placebo-controlled food challenges.
What are the 'Big 8' food allergens?
Milk, Eggs, Peanuts, Tree nuts, Soy, Wheat, Fish, Crustacean shellfish.
What is the risk for infants with eczema regarding asthma and allergic rhinitis?
They have a higher risk of developing asthma and allergic rhinitis.
What is the primary treatment for anaphylactic shock?
Epinephrine.
What is the prevalence of food allergies in Germany?
2 - 3%.
When is epinephrine produced?
During the 'flight-or-fight' response.
How many other foods can cause allergic reactions?
More than 160.
What does Secondary Prevention involve?
Staying away from known allergens.
Do antihistamines completely improve dangerous symptoms in anaphylaxis?
No, they do not completely improve the dangerous symptoms that affect breathing.
What are antibodies?
Long, branched molecules that recognize and bind to specific antigens.
What are the primary causative agents of food allergies?
Naturally-occurring proteins.
What is important for early detection of allergic reactions?
Early symptom recognition.
Which immune cells are primarily involved in the late-phase response?
Eosinophils.
What percentage of children aged 2 - 7 in Hong Kong have shown adverse effects from food?
8.1%.
What occurs when enough cross-linking of IgE happens?
Mast cells explode with histamine and other inflammatory substances.
What is a food allergy?
An abnormal immune response to food.
What role do T cells play in sensitization to allergens?
T cells stimulate B cells to produce IgE antibodies.
Which food allergies are often lifelong?
Peanut, tree nut, fish, and shellfish allergies.
How many people are affected by asthma globally?
300 million.
What is the primary use of steroids in the context of the immune system?
To calm down the immune system cells.
What is the primary function of the immune system?
To protect the body from foreign invaders.
What type of adverse reaction is a food allergy classified as?
Immune mediated.
Who is present during a double-blind placebo-controlled food challenge?
A doctor.
What type of antibodies are involved in allergic reactions?
Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.
What percentage of all food allergies do the 'Big 8' allergens account for?
More than 90%.
What is the purpose of the Skin Prick Test?
To identify allergic reactions to specific allergens.
What percentage of all Americans have food allergies?
4% (approximately 12 million).
What percentage of the United States population has food allergies?
4%.
What effect does epinephrine have on allergic reactions?
It reverses the allergic reaction by improving blood circulation.
Which fruits are known to cause allergic reactions?
Mango and strawberries.
What is the focus of Tertiary Prevention?
Treatment and medication to reduce the risk of allergy.
What is the definition of food allergy?
An abnormal immune response to specific food proteins.
How long can the late-phase response last?
It can last for about 24 hours before subsiding.
What are some characteristics of proteins that cause food allergies?
They are heat-resistant, resistant to digestion/proteolysis, and resistant to extremes in pH.
What happens when an antibody binds to an antigen?
It identifies the molecule as potentially damaging and signals for its removal.
What are the substances released by mast cells during an allergic response?
Histamine and other inflammatory mediators.
What type of allergy is characterized by a chronic inflammatory response?
IgE mediated allergy.
What does the WHO estimate about asthma prevalence by 2025?
400 million people will suffer from asthma.
What percentage of children with food allergies in Hong Kong have seen a doctor for a diagnosis?
4.6%.
What emergency therapy is recommended for food allergies?
Epinephrine (adrenaline) shot.
Should steroids be used to treat anaphylaxis?
No, they should not be used for anaphylaxis.
What are some common signs and symptoms of a food allergy?
Itchiness, swelling of the tongue, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, trouble breathing, or low blood pressure.
What do B cells produce in response to allergen sensitization?
IgE antibodies targeted to the specific allergen.
What type of allergy is associated with a late phase response?
IgE mediated allergy.
What role do T-cells play in the immune system?
They conduct surveillance for potentially dangerous molecules and kill dangerous cells such as disease-causing bacteria.
What is the first step in the allergic cascade?
Sensitization to an allergen.
What do IgE antibodies bind to in the allergic response?
An allergen and then to a receptor on mast cells.
What are common gastrointestinal symptoms of Celiac Disease?
Mouth sores, abdominal bloating and pain, diarrhea, and steatorrhea.
What type of allergies can be detected through double-blind placebo-controlled food challenges?
Non-IgE mediated allergies.
What type of adverse reaction is food intolerance classified as?
Non-immune mediated.
Can the 'Big 8' allergens be consumed raw or cooked?
Yes, they can be raw or cooked.
What is the prevalence of food allergies in The Netherlands?
5%.
What is the prevalence of food allergies among adults in the US?
3.7%.
What is injected during an intradermal skin test?
A small amount of allergen just beneath the skin surface.
What is an EpiPen?
A self-injectable device for administering epinephrine.
What trend was observed in the incidence of food-induced anaphylaxis between 2009 and 2019?
There was more than a twofold increase in incidence.
What are some examples of foods that can cause allergies in the meat category?
Beef, lamb, and pork.
Why is education important in allergy prevention?
To teach the general public about allergies and ways to prevent them.
What are the two main types of immune responses in food allergies?
IgE mediated allergy and Non IgE mediated allergy.
What type of proteins are usually responsible for food allergies?
Major proteins of the food.
What symptoms can be more severe during the late-phase response compared to the initial response?
Congestion and certain other symptoms.
What can repeated allergen exposure lead to?
A chronic inflammatory response.
What can help identify individuals with food allergies in emergencies?
Medical identification necklaces or bracelets.
What is the issue with allergy specialists in Hong Kong?
The ratio of allergy specialists per population is quite low.
What is the role of macrophage cells in the immune system?
They act as 'scavenger' cells, removing and destroying damaging molecules.
What symptoms can occur during an allergic response?
Wheezing, sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, runny nose, and shortness of breath.
What is a limitation of using steroids for treating allergic reactions?
They only relieve symptoms in the contact area and take a long time to work.
How quickly do food allergy symptoms typically occur after exposure?
Within minutes to several hours.
Where do IgE antibodies bind after being produced?
To special receptors on mast cells.
What is a typical cutaneous symptom of IgE-mediated reactions?
Urticaria.
What do B-cells produce?
Antibodies.
How can a person be initially exposed to an allergen?
Through inhalation, ingestion, touch, or injection.
When does the late phase response occur after the original reaction?
2 to 24 hours.
What is the reaction pattern observed in patients allergic to eggs during food challenges?
Reaction pattern during double-blind, placebo-controlled food challenge.
What do mast cells release that causes allergic symptoms?
Inflammatory chemicals such as histamine.
What is the role of Immunoglobulin E (IgE) in food allergies?
It is involved in IgE-mediated reactions.
What should be considered when using oils in relation to allergens?
Proceed with caution; highly refined oils largely remove protein, but cold-pressed oils may contain allergenic proteins.
What skin condition is associated with Celiac Disease?
Dermatitis herpetiformis.
What percentage of children under 3 years of age have food allergies?
6%.
What percentage of the population in Italy has food allergies?
6 - 8%.
What is used as a negative control in the Skin Prick Test?
Saline.
How many patients were admitted with a physician-reported diagnosis of anaphylaxis over 11 years?
A total of 2,854 patients.
Which vegetable is mentioned as a potential allergen?
Garlic.
What is the prevalence of celiac disease in the U.S.?
3.5 million people.
When was the Hong Kong Institute of Allergy founded?
In 1996.
What is the first step in the allergic cascade?
Sensitization.
Can foods contain multiple allergens?
Yes, foods can have one or many allergens in them.
How quickly do symptoms of an allergic response occur after re-exposure?
Within an hour after initial exposure.
Can an antibody bind to multiple antigens?
No, an antibody will only bind to one specific antigen.
Which cells are persistently infiltrated during a chronic inflammatory response?
Mast cells, leukocytes, and dendritic cells.
Where do many patients in Hong Kong go for allergy-related treatments?
To their general practitioners.
What are food allergies?
Immune system reactions that occur after consuming certain foods.
What type of allergic response is characterized by T-cells and macrophages?
Non IgE mediated Cell-Mediated Allergic Response.
How can steroids be administered?
Orally or through injection.
What is angioedema?
A cutaneous symptom characterized by swelling beneath the skin.
What does it mean to be atopic?
Having an inherited sensitivity toward allergic disease.
What is the function of macrophages in the immune system?
They act as scavenger cells to clean up residue and remove potentially dangerous substances.
What is anaphylaxis?
A serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death.
Which publication discusses the reaction pattern in food challenges?
Bindslev-Jensen C, BMJ 1998;316:1299.
Which cytokine is involved in the late phase response?
Tumor Necrosis Factor - α (TNF - α).
What are examples of allergens that can be inhaled?
Pollen, mold, dust mites.
What are mast cells?
Tissue cells of the immune system that cause allergic symptoms.
Can Celiac Disease be asymptomatic?
Yes, it can be potentially asymptomatic.
What are examples of foods that can cause allergies?
Peanut, Mushroom, and Lactose.
Is processing and preparation information always available for allergenic foods?
No, it is not always available.
What is the prevalence of cow milk allergy in the US?
2.5%.
What serves as a positive control in the Skin Prick Test?
Proven allergens like histamine.
Are food allergies common globally?
Yes.
How many times were patients admitted for anaphylaxis during the 11-year span?
2,961 times.
What type of spicy food can cause allergic reactions?
Hot peppers.
What is the prevalence of celiac disease in Europe?
5 million people.
Who organized the Hong Kong Institute of Allergy?
A group of Allergists, Respirologists, Paediatricians, and Dermatologists.
What do macrophages do after an antibody binds to a dangerous molecule?
They consume the molecule, taking it out of circulation and destroying it.
How does allergic inflammation affect tissue cells?
It affects epithelial cells and muscle cells, causing chronic structural changes.
What occurs during the early-phase of an allergic reaction?
Immediate release of mediators from mast cells and basophils.
How is the pathogenesis of non IgE mediated allergic responses defined?
It is not as clearly defined as for IgE mediated allergic responses.
What is atopic dermatitis?
A cutaneous symptom associated with IgE-mediated reactions.
What are mast cells compared to in the context of sensitization?
Little bombs that are armed and ready for explosion.
What are antibodies?
Proteins produced by B-cells that help identify and neutralize foreign objects like bacteria and viruses.
What triggers food allergies?
Proteins in certain foods that the immune system mistakenly identifies as harmful.
What can happen during a severe food allergy reaction?
Symptoms may include trouble breathing and low blood pressure.
What types of leukocytes migrate to the initial site during the late phase response?
Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Eosinophils, Macrophages.
What does ingestion of an allergen refer to?
Swallowing a type of food or medication.
What risk is associated with asymptomatic Celiac Disease?
Increased risk for malnutrition-related symptoms and complications.
What are mediators in the context of mast cells?
Products released by mast cells that cause allergic symptoms.
What condition is associated with gluten intolerance?
Celiac disease.
What is the prevalence of egg allergy in the US?
1.3%.
Are food allergies dangerous?
No, food allergies can be dangerous.
What percentage of anaphylaxis survivors were prescribed adrenaline auto-injectors (AAI)?
Fewer than 15%.
What type of T-cell is involved in IgE mediated allergy?
Th2 (a type of T-cell).
What is the main goal of the Hong Kong Institute of Allergy?
To share the most up-to-date knowledge on the management of allergic diseases.
What indicates an allergic reaction during the Skin Prick Test?
A hive forming at the injection site.
How many people are affected by celiac disease in general?
1 in 133 people.
What is the risk percentage of allergic reactions to peanuts?
5%.
What are some chronic structural changes caused by allergic inflammation?
Muscle hypertrophy and organ dysfunction.
What respiratory symptom is associated with IgE-mediated reactions?
Rhinitis.
What are the primary cells involved in non IgE mediated allergic responses?
T-cells, macrophages, and other cells.
What happens during the late-phase of an allergic reaction?
Inflammatory response that occurs hours after the initial reaction.
What are common symptoms of food allergies?
Symptoms can include hives, swelling, abdominal pain, and anaphylaxis.
What is an example of an allergen that can be encountered through touch?
Poison ivy, latex, or certain metals like nickel.
What is a symptom of the late phase response?
Further inflammation.
How long does it usually take for symptoms of an allergic reaction to appear?
It can take several days.
Which group of patients was significantly less likely to have prescriptions for adrenaline auto-injectors?
Adult patients.
What is the prevalence of peanut allergy in the US?
0.8%.
