DEFINITION
What Is A Food Allergy?
A Food Allergy is a reaction of the immune system when the body mistakenly thinks that some food is harmful. Food allergies can be chronic (long lasting), or acute (sudden). An acute reaction can cause a serious or even life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.
How Common Are Food Allergies?
Food allergies affect about 6 to 8 percent of children under 3 years, and as many as 3 percent of adults. Children are generally allergic to milk, soy, wheat, and eggs.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of A Food Allergy?
For some people, an allergic reaction to a food can be uncomfortable but not severe. For others, food allergies can be scary and life-threatening. Symptoms of a food allergy usually increase within a few minutes to two hours after eating a food. The most common signs and symptoms for a food allergy include:
- Tingling or itching in the mouth
- Red spots, itching, or eczema
- Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, throat, or other body parts
- Nasal congestion, or breathing problems
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling like you're going to faint, or fainting
For some people, a food allergy can trigger a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. It can be life-threatening, signs and symptoms include:
- Tightness and narrowing of the airways
- Swollen throat or feeling of lump in the throat that makes it difficult to breathe
- Experiencing shock with a drop in blood pressure
- pounding
- Dizziness, feeling of fainting or loss of consciousness
Emergency treatment is essential for anaphylaxis. Patients with untreated anaphylaxis can fall into a coma and die.
When Should I See A Doctor?
See a doctor or allergist if you have symptoms of a food allergy immediately after eating. If possible, visit your doctor when an allergic reaction occurs. This can help your doctor make a diagnosis. Seek emergency care if your signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis increase.
REASONS
What Causes Food Allergies?
When you have a food allergy, your immune system mistakenly identifies a specific food or ingredient in a food as harmful. Your immune system stimulates cells to release antibodies known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to neutralize suspected harmful foods or food ingredients (allergies). These substances cause a range of allergy signs and symptoms. They are responsible for causing allergic responses in the form of mucus discharge from the nose, itching of the eyes, dry throat, rash and red spots, nausea, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and even anaphylactic shock.
Food allergies are most stimulated by several proteins in shellfish, such as shrimp, lobster and crab, nuts, nuts such as walnuts and nuts, fish, eggs.
In children, food allergies are generally stimulated by proteins in eggs, milk, nuts, nuts, wheat.
RISK FACTORS
What Increases My Risk For Food Allergies?
Food allergy risk factors include:
- Family history. You are at high risk of having a food allergy if you have asthma, eczema, and red spots or allergies such as dust allergies are common in your family
- Have ever had a food allergy. Children can have a higher potential for food allergies, but in some cases it can happen again
- Other allergies. If you already have an allergy to one food, you are at high risk of developing an allergy to another food. Likewise, if you have another type of allergic reaction, such as a dust allergy or eczema, you are at greater risk of having a food allergy.
- Age. Food allergies are common in children, especially young children and infants. As you grow older, your digestive system matures and your body digests less allergy-inducing foods. Children usually have allergies to milk, soy, wheat and eggs. Severe allergies and allergies to peanuts and shellfish tend to last longer
- Asthma. Asthma and food allergies generally occur together. When this happens, food allergies and asthma, the symptoms of both tend to be more severe
Factors that increase your risk for an anaphylactic reaction, include:
- Have a history of asthma
- Teenagers or younger
- Too late to use epinephrine to treat your food allergy symptoms
- Has no red spots or skin symptoms
TREATMENT
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What Are My Treatment Options For Food Allergies?
The only way to prevent a food allergy is to prevent eating the food that causes the signs and symptoms of an allergy.
For mild allergic reactions. over-the-counter medications or recommended antihistamines can help reduce symptoms. These drugs can be taken after the food allergen is known to relieve itching or red spots. However, antihistamines do not treat severe allergic reactions.
For severe allergic reactions. You may need an emergency epinephrine injection and be admitted to the emergency room. Many people who have allergies carry an auto-injector epinephrine (EpiPen, Twinjet, Auvi-Q). This device is a combination of a spray and a hidden needle that injects a single dose of medication when pressed into your thigh.
What Are The Usual Tests For Food Allergies?
There are no standardized tests used to confirm or define a food allergy. Your doctor will make a diagnosis based on the symptomatic description of your diet. In addition, the doctor will also perform skin tests, urine tests, food experiments to confirm the diagnosis.
HOME REMEDIES
What Are Some Lifestyle Changes Or Home Remedies That Can Be Made To Treat Food Allergies?
The following lifestyle and home remedies can help you deal with food allergies:
- Avoid problem foods (leftovers, expired)
- Read food labels carefully before buying or preparing food
- Learn how to use anti-allergic injections and teach those around you if you suddenly develop a food allergy. Always carry allergy medicine
- Wear a medical bracelet or necklace as a sign to let people know you have an allergy
- Tell your family, caregivers and teachers if your child has a food allergy
- Wash utensils carefully before preparing baby food. This can help prevent the cause of allergies
If you have any questions, consult a doctor for the best solution for your problem.