Final answer:
The amount of allergen needed to cause a reaction in an allergic individual can be very small. Allergic reactions can range from mild to severe, with anaphylaxis being a life-threatening condition. Avoidance and emergency treatment with epinephrine are key aspects of managing food allergies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The amount of allergen that must be consumed for a food-allergic guest to have a reaction can vary greatly. For some individuals with severe allergies, even tiny amounts of the allergen – sometimes just trace amounts – can trigger serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis. Exposure to the allergen can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild, like skin rashes, to severe, such as anaphylactic shock, which may result in a fatal reaction if not treated promptly with epinephrine.
An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts to a substance in food, mistakenly identifying it as a harmful invader. Common foods that cause allergies include nuts, eggs, milk, and shellfish. Management of allergies might include avoiding known allergens and carrying an epinephrine injector for emergencies.