Bridge games are in essence large gatherings of people, and anywhere people converge, immune systems get together and allergies meet. If you’re the host or caterer of a bridge event, allergies should be one of the first things on your mind when planning the menu.
Here’s how to consider allergies at the table ahead of time.
Common and Uncommon Allergies
Common food allergies include peanuts, wheat, shellfish and lactose. Keep in mind that there are also many other uncommon and less obvious food allergies to consider. This is why the rule should always be to ask about allergies and other dietary requirements before proceeding with a menu.
Allergies are complex things. They can be childhood allergies, lifelong allergies or temporary allergies that periodically changes throughout life. They can also be allergies that range from a mildly bad reaction with an upset stomach through to a full-on allergy attack.
Seeing Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of an allergy are vast and individual.
All allergies cause discomfort and physical symptoms, but the type of symptoms and their intensity varies between people.
Flushing, redness, itching, sudden rashes, shortness of breath, excessive sweating, difficulty breathing, numbness, difficulty swallowing, blurred vision, heart palpitations…And this is only some of the symptoms that can happen.
If someone looks a little uncomfortable at the table, ask.
Unexpected Allergy Risks and Trace Amounts
Allergy risks aren’t always obvious ones either.
Some powdered spices and many sauces and gravies contain wheat flour as a thickening agent (and many spices don’t outright list this). This is enough to trigger a dangerous reaction in someone with a wheat allergy and most people wouldn’t have thought of it as potentially dangerous.
The same can apply to trace amounts of allergens present in food, too.
Avoid this by researching the ingredients you plan to use beyond the label.
Cross Contamination Risks for Allergies
Cross contamination can be as dangerous as outright exposure to an allergen.
Let’s suppose that Person A has an allergy to peanuts and Person B does not. Person B eats a peanut bar on the way home and kisses person A once he walks through the door. Can you guess how this goes?
Anyone catering to an event should be aware of any potential cross contamination risks such as these.
- During food preparation, cross contamination is always a potential risk. As an example, meals for the gluten intolerant should be prepared separately and using entirely different tools and surfaces – otherwise, you risk cross contamination through every single surface each ingredient touches, including counters, knives (and unfortunately, hands).
- Cross contamination is also possible outside of food preparation at any other point. Some allergies might be sensitive enough to be triggered by the cross-handling of a card deck during a game. Sure, it sounds like a great episode of a crime procedural show (and it might be), but you don’t want this at your bridge game.
- Avoid this by omitting potential allergens entirely if you know of a potential risk. It can also help to keep sanitizer and wipes handy for anyone entering, re-entering or leaving the event.
Is It You? Speak Up!
If you are the person with a potential allergy at a bridge game, speak up! Let the head of the event or the tournament director know ahead of time. It’s the responsible thing to do if you’re on the other side of the allergy.
There are also many instances of people who don’t know what they could be allergic to. A simple allergy screening can help, especially where you are trying to pinpoint food allergies that have started to manifest later in your life.
What to Do
Mild allergic reactions benefit from the use of antihistamines which counter the body’s allergic response (and a great deal of people who already know they have common allergies will often carry these antihistamines with them – but don’t count on the fact that they do, and always have a general antihistamine on hand as part of your First Aid kit.).
For anything more than mild, seek medical attention immediately.
Other Health Concerns for Clubs
Allergies aren’t the only health consideration for bridge clubs: If you have any serious chronic health conditions or you are allergic to any medications that you know of, the right thing to do is make sure your bridge partner and club knows about it.
If several members have chronic issues, keep a list.
This is vital for any emergencies that happen in a club setting, and preparation could save an affected member’s life.