Food allergy occurs when some specific foods trigger an allergic reaction after consumption. When your immune system wrongly identifies proteins in some foods as a threat, it triggers your body to release histamine, causing an allergic flare-up. In the United States alone, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has released estimates that about 5% of children and 4% of adults are allergic to some particular foods. Even the slightest exposure to little proteins can trigger an allergic reaction when diagnosed with a food allergy.
What are the most common food allergy symptoms?
Signs and symptoms from food allergy can show up after a few minutes or hours of food consumption. The symptoms may include:
- Swollen face, moth, and tongue
- Difficulties in breathing
- Reduced blood pressure
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Hives
- Itchiness
In severe cases, food allergies can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition that can cause death. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:
- A swift decline in blood pressure
- Itchiness and tickling on the throat
- Feeling nauseated
- Breathing complications like shortness of breath, which worsens with time.
- Itchy rashes on the skin may spread out on almost every part of the body.
- Regular sneezing
- Runny nose and watery eyes
- Tachycardia
- Quick swelling of the face, mouth, lips, and throat
- Unconsciousness
Common Foods that Causes Allergy
- Eggs
- Fish
- Milk
- Hazelnuts, walnuts, and cashews
- Peanuts or groundnuts
- Shellfish
- Soybeans
- Wheat
Food Allergy Diagnosis
There is no singled out test to detect food allergies. Our allergy specialist at American Wellness Center may consider the following factors to make a food allergy diagnosis:
Family background on allergies:
The specialist may request you to share information about your family member’s history with food allergy.
Physical health examination:
A thorough medical evaluation can point out other medical issues. Our physician will request a comprehensive history of your prevailing symptoms and the foods you may have consumed to trigger an allergy.
Skin prick test:
The doctor can prick your skin and place some suspicious food on the skin. If you develop some reddish bumps or rashes, you may have a food allergy.
Blood test:
The specialist may request a blood test to check on your immune system’s reaction to certain types of foods through immunoglobulin E (IgE) tests.
Treatment for Food Allergy
The best treatment for food allergy is to completely keep off any food that triggers a reaction from your meals.
But, there are three key types of prescription drugs to relieve food allergy symptoms: They are:
1. Antihistamines – commonly used to relieve mild to temperate allergies
2. Adrenaline – Typically used to treat anaphylaxis (severe symptoms of an allergic reaction)
3. Corticosteroids – used to reduce swelling from serious allergic responses.
Frequently Asked Questions (faqs)
1. Are food allergies preventable in small children?
Although there is no definite method to prevent food allergy in small children, exclusive breastfeeding can help alleviate food reactions during the first six months of a baby’s growth. Babies introduced to food early may develop food allergy reactions, especially from peanut, cow milk, and egg proteins.
2. Should I visit a GP when I have a food allergy?
If you notice some allergic reactions after consuming some foods in your diet, you should visit a healthcare provider for a proper assessment and treatment. Failure to seek professional intervention could lead to more severe allergic symptoms such as anaphylaxis which can be fatal.
3. What are the life-threatening symptoms of food allergies?
It would be best to visit the ER immediately when you start experiencing breathing difficulties, tightness of the chest, swelling on the throat, mouth, and lips red hives covering every part of your body.
4. Is there a cure for children’s food allergies?
No. But, the majority of the children usually outgrow some food allergies like eggs and cow milk allergies. Elimination of all the allergens from your child’s diet can prevent these symptoms with the help of a general practitioner.