ALLERGENIC COMPOUNDS IN FOOD

People usually eat five food groups: protein, dairy, grains, fruits, and vegetables.  Foods contain hundreds of natural chemicals including vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, protein, phenolics, terpenes, sugars, fatty acids, steroids, alkaloids, and many other compounds.  While most foods benefit the body, some can trigger adverse symptoms known as an allergic reaction.  It can be anaphylaxis or food sensitivity/intolerance. People can be allergic/sensitive to the food as well as to any/many of the compounds it contains, even vitamins and minerals  This explains why people can react to a food they have never eaten, as many of these compounds repeat from food to food.

Food allergy among children is increasing.  A recent CDC survey estimated that 1 in 20 US children have food allergies, which is a 50 percent increase from the late 1990s.  The explanation for this is unknown and controversial.  Consumption of processed food as well as the frequency with which any food is eaten may be playing a roll.  Food allergies/sensitivities affect people causing a variety of symptoms in any body system.

Fever

Fever, elevation of body temperature above normal range,  Fever is not an illness, but a part of the body defense mechanism fighting for the person.  Untreated fevers from infection seldom go over 105º F unless the child is overdressed or in a very hot place.  Brain damage does not occur unless the fever is over 107.6º F and the brain's internal thermostat keeps untreated fevers below this level. Very rarely, high fever can cause convulsions in small children. 

Potential reasons for fever are infection, overdressing, immunizations, and other causes.  Viral infections are the most common cause of fever in children of all ages.  If a child of any age has ear pain, pain with urinations, or a productive cough, he/she should be seen by a physician.

Children and teens typically have fever if their temperature is above the following levels:

• Oral (mouth) temperature  99.5º F
• Axillary (under the arm) temperature  99º F
• Rectal (bottom) temperature  100.4º F

If a fever is suspected, kiss or feel the forehead, which will be warm.  Call a doctor about  need for a visit if:

·         An infant 3 months old or younger has a rectal temperature of 100.4º F

·         A child between 3 months and 3 years old has a rectal temperature of 102.2º F or higher.

Treat all fevers with extra fluids, but do not force a child to drink.  Popsicles and iced drinks are helpful.  Minimize clothing and bed covers.  Acetaminophen and ibuprofen both reduce fever.  Consult a physician about which to give if the child is 2 years old or younger.  Do not give aspirin.