Do you ever wonder if you're allergic to a particular food? How can you tell, and what can you do? The answers to these questions are not easy, nor are they cut and dried. Let's talk a bit more about food allergies and give you some hints to figure out the solution to your own particular situation.

First, it's estimated that true food allergies affect less than 2 percent of the United States population. Yet surveys have shown that up to 40 percent of us believe that we or a member of our household has a food allergy. Children tend to have the highest prevalence of food allergies, yet only 5 percent of children are actually diagnosed, and most outgrow their particular allergy.

So why all the fuss?

TRUE FOOD ALLERGIES

A true food allergy can be fatal. Most of these reactions are caused by milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, soy products, wheat, peanuts and other tree nuts. When the offending food is eaten, the body's immune system responds by releasing histamine and other substances that cause the allergic reaction. Symptoms vary, but can include nausea, cramping, diarrhea, rashes and hives, and anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can result in shock, respiratory failure and death. It can be treated with an injection of epinephrine, but always needs immediate follow-up at an emergency room.

Only a small percentage of people with food allergies develop anaphylaxis, but for them it is vitally important to avoid the offending food completely. Some people are not only sensitive to eating the food in any form, but also to the smell of the food or touching it to their skin. Most fatalities occur when people who are away from home accidentally eat a food to which they are allergic.