Another Food Related Death That Could Have Been Avoided

November 29, 2005

It sounds like a scene from a B-movie, a 15 year-old girl kisses her 16 year-old boyfriend and dies. Unfortunately its not a movie but reality – which underscores just how critical it is that we understand how serious food allergies really are.

Christina Desforges of Quebec, Canada and her boyfriend kissed nine hours after he ate a peanut butter sandwich. Christina failed to respond to the standard treatment; typically, a shot of adrenaline although in this case it did not work.

The saddest news is that her death could have been avoided if she had just told her boyfriend about the severity of her peanut allergy; preliminary reports indicate that he was not aware of her situation.

Food allergies are nothing to be ashamed of, and especially for teens who may think it "un-cool" to discuss something this mundane to their friends, it is critical that we raise the level of awareness of this terrible affliction without attaching a social stigma. The key is communication. Communication WITHOUT shame.

It is estimated that 1.5 million people in the US have a severe allergic reaction to peanuts and that 50 to 100 people die every year as a result of the allergy. You should know the signs of a food allergy, and be prepared; warning signs may include wheezing, hives, a skin rash, vomiting, difficulty breathing, drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness or going into shock. Immediately contact a doctor or call 911.

Christina's death is a perfect example of a life that could (and should) have been saved if food allergy information had been effectively communicated.

If you have a food allergy, or know of someone who does, please go to www.foodallergybuddy.com and print out your FREE Food Allergy Buddy cards to use in restaurants, supermarkets and to give to your friends and family.

For more information about Food Allergies read the stories that follow.

Posted on Monday 12/5 by c
According to her friends present when she became ill, and her boyfriend; this food allergic child, who was only 15, did not tell them of her peanut allergy. But, that is not the only factor leading to her death. Even if the friends knew of her peanut allergy, the girl and the boy would likely not have thought a sandwich eaten nine hours prior to the kiss would have had an affect on her. Everyone who hears the story, even those who have children with food allergies are surprised the allergen was still lethal after nine hours; but the most important factor a teen must know is the allery is always just around the corner ready to surprise you despite all precautions. If you have a history of anaphylaxis; at the first symptom administer the epi pen into your outer thigh; then lie down with knees raised. Studies show those who stand or sit up during anaphylaxis have died due to the position they assumed. Anaphylaxis opens up the veins carrying blood and the heart is in danger unless you are lying down. Do not sit or stand; and do not drive to the hospital; do not wait to see if the symptoms go away. Many incidents of anaphylaxis are biphasic; with the first symptoms appearing mild; and the subsequent symptoms overcoming the person so quickly there is no time for treatment outside the hospital setting; even if epi pen was adminstered at first symptoms. Anaphylaxis is evil; a moving target. So, our anaphylactic chidren should know from the early stages of their life that with first symptoms; administer epi; call 911; lie down and await EMTs; and then insist the EMTs use a stretcher. Most EMTs do not know to keep the patient in a position where they are lying down during anaphylaxis. Reportedly this "child" of only 15 years felt ill and went off on her own, at least twice; until she was in such respiratory distress, she sought help from friends; and by then it was too late for the epi pen to have any affect. Anaphylaxis is very quick and it is lethal. Parents and anaphylactic children should have fire drills. Practice with expired epi pens on a box or an orage; get your teens ready to react properly and save themselves when their react without you. Reacting without a parent is predictably going to happen to every anaphylactic child when they enter teen years; and maybe even beforehand. First symptoms; call 911, inject epi, lie down. Always have two epis available if first does not do the job where symptoms come back before EMTs arrive; or if first epi breaks during use; but don't mistake the racing heart and funny feeling of epinepherine in your system as "symptoms" of worsening anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis will happen...maybe within the next few minutes; so please be practiced, take it seriously, be prepared; and never keep it a secret. Bring it up with your friends because tehy are really interested in knowing about your alleries. People do not want other people to suffer or die; and no matter how awkward it will always be necessary to bring up your food allergies in every social setting; bring it up; maybe it will get easier, maybe it will not. Drop your epi pen in front of your friends on purpose just so they see it on your person as a way of opening up the situation..."Whoops, oh that's my epi pen. I have serious food allergies. Want to see how it works?" Surviving anaphylaxis requires friends knowing you have the condition; but it also requires you knowing how to recognize symptoms and not ignore them, knowing how to inject yourself, knowing to not hesitate calling 911, knowing to lie down and await EMTs. You must get to a hospital with any symptoms if you have anaphylctic history. As our children grow into the teen and college years, inevitably because of the lack of education and training in the community at large, restuarants, etc. there will be more fatalities. Education saves lives. Much more needs to be done to keep this wonderful generation of food allergic teens and young adults safe. Much more needs to be done to save these precious lives so full of potential. A child with food allergies is unusual in their background of coping and negotiating and denying themselves the usual fare of young people in this culture. Although this is a burden, it also forges persons with great character, maturity and potential. We must save this unusual group of food allergic children. They have so much to offer.

Posted on Tuesday 11/29 by bob
It's about time someone said it! Those of us with food allergies get the short end of the deal...if you have AIDS, cancer or diabetes people want to help - if you have a peanut allergy you are standing alone. It's not shameful! or your fault! I just printed out my food allergy card and will proudly hand them out. thanks for a great and free service.

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