The Facts about Food Allergies
Food allergies affect millions of people in the United States alone. Studies show that as many as 24 million Americans suffer from food allergies. This condition strike more children than adults, and it can be dangerous – even deadly. This article discusses food allergies, their signs and symptoms, and their diagnosis and treatment.
What Are Food Allergies?
Food allergies are similar to other allergies. They’re caused by an immune system reaction to certain foods. The problem is that the allergic individual’s body doesn’t treat certain foods like foods at all. Instead, it launches a defense as though the food was a harmful foreign body. This results in all kinds of painful and sometimes frightening symptoms.
People with food allergies can have symptoms ranging from skin rashes to stomach upset. Hives and eczema can result from food allergies. Also, the digestive problems tend to be worse than those caused by simple food intolerance.
Allergy or Intolerance?
Food allergies cause many of the same symptoms as food intolerances. For example, both conditions can cause bloating, gas, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation.
The difference is that food allergy symptoms are more severe. They can also be accompanied by other allergy symptoms like respiratory problems, watery eyes, hives or welts, sneezing, and nasal discharge. In very severe cases, the person’s mouth and throat swell when an allergen is eaten. Without aid, this swelling can continue until it cuts off the air passages. This type of reaction is called anaphylactic shock, and it can be fatal.
A food allergy can only be diagnosed by a professional. Your doctor will administer an allergy test. This can be done superficially by injecting small amounts of food allergens beneath the patient’s skin. If they’re allergic, their skin will show redness and irritation around the testing site.
Blood tests can also be used when a patient is too sensitive to safely undergo a skin test. The doctor draws a small amount of blood and measures the amount of immunoglobin E contained within. This testing method is expensive, but is considered safe even for severely allergic individuals.
Treating and Preventing Food Allergies
The best way to avoid food allergies is to avoid contact with the foods in question. The most common food allergens are shellfish, nuts, and eggs. It’s possible to eliminate these foods from the diet and still get balanced nutrition.
Sometimes food allergens are contained in other foods. To be on the safe side, people with food allergies should carry antihistamines with them. If their allergies are severe, they can carry an Epi-pen which allows them to make a quick injection of epinephrine to keep their airways open.
It’s always easier to prevent allergies than to treat a flare-up. Avoid food allergens as much as possible, and have a contingency plan in case you’re accidentally exposed.
