Nisha Bhandaru, 14, a sophomore at Panther Creek High School is just like any other teenager. But unlike most other teens, Bhandaru must be vigilant about what she eats. She's not watching her weight, she's just trying not to get sick.

Despite her best efforts, sometimes normal situations turn scary.

"Allergic reactions, like anaphylaxis, are definitely the scariest thing that has happened," said Bhandaru, who is allergic to sesame, chickpeas, kiwi, fenugreek, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts and peas.

"Usually my lips start swelling and then I feel a lump in my throat, and then it feels like my throat starts closing up. It's pretty scary because I don't know if I'll get better or if things will quickly get worse."

Bhandaru carries EpiPens and Benadryl at all times. She's not alone. In this country, more than 15 million people have food allergies, according to The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. Food allergies affect more than 6 million children nationwide, occurring more often in boys than girls.

As the honorary youth chair, Bhandaru will be at Koka Booth Amphitheatre Nov. 5 for the annual FAAN Walk for Food Allergy of the Triangle.

Last year more than 300 walkers raised $30,000 for food allergy research, says Nancy Welton Avett, a member of the local support group NC FACES (Food Allergic Children Excelling Safely).

She plans to walk with her boys, James, 6, and Trent, 4, who are both allergic to dairy.

James is also allergic to eggs and nuts.

Avett discovered the allergies when her sons were infants.

"I found out that my oldest had food allergies while nursing," said Avett. "At about 6 weeks old, he developed severe eczema to the point he'd scratch and make his skin bleed. He was a very sad looking baby. Once I started to eliminate foods, his skin cleared up. He was officially allergy tested at Duke when he was 9 months old."

Avett's second son started showing signs of eczema as well so Avett, who was nursing at the time, eliminated dairy, eggs and nuts from her diet and her son improved. At 6 months old, skin and blood tests confirmed the allergies.

In 2008, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a study confirming what a lot parents already seem to know: Food allergies are getting worse. From 1997 to 2007, food allergies increased 18 percent. Common allergens include milk, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, wheat and eggs.

"When I was growing up, you never heard about food allergies," said Caper Lauver, mom to Lindsay, 4, and Shane, 3, both of whom have food allergies. "Everybody ate peanut butter and jelly sandwiches all of the time, and there was never an issue. It's troubling to me that food allergies are on the rise, and we as a society don't seem to know why.

"Food allergies are a potentially life-threatening medical condition and many people don't recognize the seriousness of the condition," Lauver continued. "We've been fortunate. We've only had one incident in which Lindsay had a severe reaction."

At a play date, Lindsay took a cup of cow's milk for herself, handing the soy milk to her friend. It didn't take long for Lauver to notice.

"Within minutes, Lindsay started complaining that her throat hurt and that she didn't feel good," said Lauver. "She then started vomiting. We gave her Benadryl, had the EpiPen in hand and the phone by us ready to dial 911. We watched her until the wee hours of the night making sure her symptoms did not progress."

That's how you live if your child has food allergies.

Avett, Lauver and Bhandaru bring their own food to family gatherings and question restaurant staff about the ingredients in certain dishes.

"I am always a little afraid," said Bhandaru, "but I have to live life too, just carefully."