As with contact reactions, inhalant reactions typically are not severe. They most often begin with a rash or hives on the face, itchy eyes, or a runny nose — places where the airborne food comes in contact with the body. In most instances, you can quickly recognize the early symptoms and flee the scene (or at least move away from the cooking area) to halt the progression of symptoms.

The severity of a reaction is usually in direct proportion to the level of exposure. Severe airborne reactions primarily occur in the following situations:

You get a huge dose all at once. For example, if you have a severe wheat allergy and walk into a bakery where hundreds of loaves of bread are being made, this huge single dose of allergen may trigger a severe reaction even if you immediately exit.

You can’t leave. If you’re on an airplane, you can’t just get up and walk off the plane.

You won’t leave. Sometimes people are too stubborn or embarrassed to leave. I’ve seen a patient with a fish allergy take a new job as a dishwasher in a seafood restaurant. I’ve also seen a number of teenagers who knew they were beginning to react but didn’t leave the party where their friends were eating mass quantities of peanuts.

Be sensible about the risks, remain aware of your surroundings, and be prepared to take action when you observe serious risks, but don’t let your food allergy run (and ruin) your life.

Related posts:

1. Food Allergens : Predicting the severity of a contact reaction
2. Food Allergen : When allergens take to the air
3. Food Allergens : Predicting the severity of an ingestion reaction
4. Food Allergen : Airborne peanut risks
5. Food Allergens : Gauging how much it takes to trigger a reaction