Food Allergy Symptoms to Look Out For

January 12, 2010 by mbelcher
Filed under: Irritable Bowel Syndrome IBS 
Sometimes a feeling of uneasiness and discomfort ensues immediately after a meal. It is often thought to a result of a food allergy. In most cases however this sick feeling is a result of some food intolerance rather than a food allergy. The difference in food intolerance and an allergy is mostly noticed through the difference in timescale and severity of the symptoms.

To understand and diagnose the difference between the two it is important to know the symptoms of food allergy which affects the patient much more severely. Food intolerance symptoms may manifest themselves in a few hours time, or even a day after. In case of allergies, the onset is immediate and generally within an hour. Food allergy occurs when the immune system strikes a food protein incorrectly and leads to an overreaction by the body and production of certain chemicals.

A few of the leading symptoms which occur during food allergy are:



Skin rashes and itching



Severe diarrhea and vomiting



Stomach cramps



Skin swelling especially on tender regions like eyelids, lips and inside the mouth



Runny nose and blocked nasal tract



Inflammation of the throat, trachea and larynx



Headaches



Fatigue and dizziness



Joint pains



Hives



These are the most common food allergy symptoms that affect most adults, and it is important to visit a medical professional as soon as you experience any of these signs. In cases of food intolerance smaller degrees of similar symptoms might occur, but they usually disappear after a short while. In cases of food allergies these symptoms get even more pronounced and severe and may also lead to severe breathing problems or diarrhea. A regular food intolerance like lactose intolerance manifests itself even when a person has consumed any dairy products and results in bloating, gas, vomiting or diarrhea.

It is important to identify the concerned allergen which is causing the food allergy so that it can be avoided in the future. These symptoms need to be identified immediately since delaying treatment might lead to malfunctioning of internal systems .A few things need to be kept in mind like checking food labels when buying food items or checking with the waiter at the restaurant about the ingredients used to prepare a dish. Some patients are so vulnerable that medical practitioners even advise them to carry self-injectible epinephrine, which helps during sudden allergic attacks.



By: melvillejackson

About the Author:

Food Allergy Symptoms – For over 20 years, the ALCAT Test has provided both patients as well as healthcare professionals with a tool to successfully overcome a wide variety of conditions which result from chemical sensitivity and food intolerance.



food intolerance

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