Kokova Magazine

With Food Allergy & Intolerance Awareness Week upon us (23rd to 29th January 2012), the national charity Allergy UK is looking to raise awareness not just of the physical effects of these conditions, but the social impact they have.

Worryingly nearly a quarter of UK adults view sufferers of food allergies and intolerances as 'fussy' or feel that they use their condition as an excuse not to eat something.

Yet 45% of the UK population are estimated to be suffering from food intolerance and 2% of UK adults are diagnosed with a food allergy. Despite the fact so many are affected, there is a distinct lack of information out there for sufferers and all too frequently the conditions are misunderstood.

Simple activities like shopping or eating out, things that the general population take for granted, become a big headache for someone with food allergy or food intolerance.

Allergy UK has identified some of the key social consequences of living with either of these conditions to demonstrate the impact on people's lives:

Kiss of death
Something as simple as a kiss can be a terrifying ordeal for an allergy sufferer. It doesn't have to be an amorous encounter, a straightforward greeting or kiss on the cheek can prompt a reaction if the person has been in contact with a trigger food.

Gemma Morris, 27, SKY news presenter has such a severe nut allergy that she can even react to a quick peck on the lips from her boyfriend after he's eaten a chocolate bar.

Staying in is the new going out
Allergy UK research has show that 77% of those with a food allergy or intolerance changed their attitude to eating out as a result of their condition and find it much more difficult now. Alice Murdock is 18 years old and for her eating out is something she can only dream of, having never eaten out in a restaurant.

Even having lunch or a simple supper at a friend's house can cause problems.

70% of food allergy and intolerance sufferers said they feel like an inconvenience when eating at friend's houses, often because people don't understand their condition. For parents of children with allergies nearly a third (32%) find kids parties and eating out with the family stressful.

Making a quick getaway
When it comes to a much needed break from the stresses and strains of modern life, for food allergy sufferers there's no respite. Over half of allergy sufferers say their condition has restricted their holiday.

Gemma Morris meticulously plans her holidays after a near fatal experience abroad due to her severe nut allergy.

I was on a ski trip to Austria, which turned into a life-threatening ordeal. I had eaten what I thought was 'safe' food in the hotel restaurant after the waiting staff assured me there were no nut derivatives in the dish. However, I went into anaphylactic shock in my hotel and spent 48 hours in a local hospital. When I'm booking a holiday I always make sure there's a hospital within reach and would never go anywhere without my adrenalin pen. For me, it's a matter of life or death.

The stresses of shopping
Food allergy and intolerance has a big impact on food shopping. According to Allergy UK research 62% of sufferers said it changed the way they shop.

Bunmi Sobowale, 30, founded an online food portal for those with food allergies and intolerances having spent four years trying to get a diagnosis for multiple food intolerances. In that time she temporarily lost her sight and the ability to walk. So sick of the long tiresome search for food she could safely eat, she now provides information to people on food they can eat locally and nationally.

This week we want to raise awareness of the social repercussions of food allergies and intolerances. The harsh reality is that we are in danger of food allergy and intolerance sufferers becoming increasingly isolated, and this is evident from what they are telling us. We appreciate restaurants are trying hard to accommodate food allergies and intolerances but so much more needs to be done.

At Allergy UK, we are committed to educating people about food allergies and intolerances. We want people to understand that these conditions have a huge impact on people's lives, and it’s not just the physical implications but the social consequences, that can have lasting effects.

Muriel Simmons, Executive Chairman Allergy UK

Food allergy is an immediate response by the body's immune system to a specific food. The most severe form of food allergy, anaphylaxis, can cause swelling of the lips, tongue or face, shortness of breath, throat constriction, breathing difficulties and loss of consciousness and can be life threatening. Other symptoms can include rashes, generalised swelling, vomiting and asthma.

Food intolerance occurs as a consequence of eating a certain food. It can make the sufferer feel very unwell, often many hours after eating the offending food and have a major impact on their life. Symptoms include bloating, diarrhoea, migraine, joint pains, IBS, and general lethargy.

Ultimately Allergy UK wants to see better allergy services for sufferers. This means helping more people understand the impact these conditions have on everyday life.

For more information on food allergy download the fact sheet on food allergy or food intolerance.

If you think you are suffering from a food allergy or intolerance contact Allergy UK on 01322 619 898 or visit www.allergyuk.org.