Food Allergies
A food allergy is present when the immune system has an abnormal reaction to a particular food. Food-allergy symptoms, which can be triggered by ingesting even a small amounts of the food, usually happen within minutes but may, occasionally, happen a few hours later. Speaking with your Practitioner and devising a plan and a referral to a specialists is paramount to your family's protection.
Some of the most common foods that cause allergic reactions are:
- Cow's milk
- Eggs
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Wheat
- Soy
Symptoms of Food Allergies
Food allergies produce a wide range of symptoms. They may be relatively mild, causing only discomforting symptoms, or severe enough to be fatal. Any time an allergic reaction occurs either a prompt call to 911 or visit to the ER may be in order. Then an appointment should be made with an Allergist in order to determine the allergy's source and prevention measures. Maintaining an allergy bracelet and record of your allergies with your pracitioner or practiioner's office is important. Not consuming or coming in contact with your allery source is critical to your wellbeing. Also, discussing preventative options with your Practitioner would be help.
Symptoms of a food allergy may include:
- Itchy and/or flushed skin
- Hives
- Vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea
- Sneezing, runny nose and congestion
- Itchy or watery eyes
- Swelling under the skin (angioedema)
In more severe cases, symptoms may include:
- Swelling of the throat, and hoarseness
- Difficulty breathing, and wheezing and chest tightness
- Dizziness or loss of consciousness
- Anaphylactic shock (most severe).
If an anaphylactic reaction occurs, emergency medical care should be sought immediately by dialing 911. Delaying treatment can result in coma or, even, death.
Risk Factors Associated with Food Allergies
Certain people, with children being particularly susceptible, are more likely than others to develop food allergies.The risk for acquiring a food allergy may be higher in people with:
- Other allergy-related conditions (eczema or asthma, for example)
- A history of food allergies, even if symptoms have disappeared
- A family history of food allergies or other types of allergic reactions
Diagnosis of Food Allergies
Many people who experience reactions to foods have an intolerance to them rather than a true allergy. For example, lactose intolerance from milk is easily confused with a milk allergy. Food intolerance frequently has symptoms similar to those of a food allergy, especially if there is gastrointestinal distress involved. Therefore, accurate diagnosis of true food allergies is important to prevent future allergic reactions. An Allergist will be able to diagnose a food allergy by taking a patient's complete history, and performing skin testing and blood testing.
Treatment of Food Allergies
The most effective treatment for a food allergy is strict avoidance of the problematic food. Checking ingredient labels is a must, as is asking about ingredients in food prepared in restaurants and at the homes of others. Also, seeking guidance from your pracitioner or Allergists to prevent emergencies.