American chef and television presenter Michael Chiarello has died of an allergic reaction at the age of 61.
He died Friday evening surrounded by family and friends at Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa, California.
According to his restaurant group Gruppo Chiarello, the award-winning TV chef was hospitalized for a week after suffering a reaction that eventually led to anaphylaxis.
Allergic reactions are usually mild and cause symptoms such as abdominal pain and vomiting.
However, they can be very serious and can cause anaphylaxis within minutes of consuming the offending food or drink.
The Italian-American culinary genius and television host appeared on numerous television shows and opened several restaurants
Some of the most common symptoms of an allergic reaction can occur within ten minutes of consuming an allergen. Sneezing, a runny nose, cough, stomach cramps, nausea, or itchy skin are signs of an allergic reaction to a food
Stomach cramps
Feeling unwell or unwell, as well as stomach cramps, can be signs of an allergic reaction.
According to the NHS, symptoms “almost always” appear within a few seconds or minutes of eating the food in question.
However, stomach pain and nausea can also occur with food intolerances, which usually occur 30 minutes after eating or drinking the food in question.
Allergies affect the immune system and can be life-threatening.
Itchy and swollen skin
Hives, itchy skin, and swelling are common mild and moderate symptoms of many food allergies.
This itching and swelling can occur externally on the skin or in the mouth.
For example, symptoms of a cow’s milk allergy may include itching in the mouth, tongue and throat as well as swollen lips, eyes or face.
In some cases, it can also cause a raised, itchy rash on the skin called hives, according to Allergy UK.
Although swelling and skin reactions can be a mild allergy symptom, you should call 999 if your lips, throat or tongue suddenly swell, warns the NHS.
He is the author of several cookbooks and was named Chef of the Year by Food & Wine magazine in 1985 and Chef of the Year by the CIA in 1995
Chiarello gained instant fame when he opened his first restaurant, Toby’s, after graduating from college
Runny nose
Sneezing and a runny nose after eating can also be a sign that you are allergic.
According to Allergy UK, an allergy can develop at any point in a person’s life.
Even if you have never experienced this reaction to a food before, it can still occur.
“If you are worried or have severe or uncomfortable symptoms, take a non-sedating antihistamine,” says Allergy UK.
“If you have taken an antihistamine and feel that your symptoms are not improving, you may need additional treatment and should seek medical advice.”
Wheezing cough
Difficulty breathing or a wheezing cough are considered “classic” respiratory reactions to a food allergy.
But these symptoms can quickly become life-threatening.
According to Allergy UK, difficulty breathing is an early symptom of anaphylaxis.
If someone experiences this symptom, it should be treated as a medical emergency, an ambulance should be called and, if possible, an epinephrine shot should be given.
Anaphylaxis is the result of your body’s immune system overreacting to a harmless substance, such as food.