A food allergy is when certain foods trigger an abnormal immune response in our body. It’s as if your immune system perceives the food as a threat. Your body then releases chemicals called histamines which cause inflammation. These allergic reactions are usually mild but can be serious and even life-threatening. Some of the common symptoms of a food allergy include:
- Itchiness of the mouth, throat, or ears after eating a certain food
- An itchy skin rash or hives
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, cheeks, mouth, or eyes.
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Low blood pressure
In very serious cases, a person can have a severe allergic reaction known as “anaphylaxis.” This is a life-threatening condition where the patient may experience the following symptoms:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Trouble swallowing or speaking
- Passing out
If someone has these symptoms, this is an emergency and you should call 911. The vast majority of food allergies are mild reactions that can be treated or avoided altogether by not consuming the foods which are known to cause a reaction.
Food allergies affect more than 50 million Americans. The occurrence rate of food allergies has increased dramatically over the past 20 years. Research is not clear about why allergies are becoming more common.
Although any food can cause an allergic reaction, the vast majority of food reactions are caused by one of the following foods:
- Shellfish or fish
- Peanuts or tree nuts
- Gluten or Wheat
- Milk (includes cheese, butter, and yogurt)
- Eggs
- Soy
- Some fruit and vegetables
In children, food allergies can show up as eczema or another type of skin rash. Sometimes they will experience asthma, wheezing or a runny nose, or itchy eyes. Some people experience itching in their mouth and throat after eating fresh fruits or vegetables. Often these include raw peaches, carrots, or apples. This is known as Oral Allergy Syndrome. Cooking the foods first can prevent these reactions.
The best way to prevent food reactions is to determine which foods cause reactions and avoid them. Food allergy testing can identify which foods the person is allergic to.
Some people will need medications to treat their allergies. Antihistamines can relieve symptoms of reactions. People who have serious allergic reactions will want to carry an Epinephrine Pen with them to be used in case of emergencies.
Food intolerance is not the same as a food allergy. Food intolerances affect the digestive system and do not involve the immune system. Examples are lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, or sensitivity to sulfites.
People who have food intolerance may experience diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal cramps. These symptoms are usually the result of poor digestion rather than an allergic reaction. Food intolerances cause inflammation and other symptoms in the body but they are not life-threatening.
If you think you have a food allergy or intolerance, contact your medical provider for more information and guidance. Our office offers simple, affordable food sensitivity/allergy testing and treatment to relieve your symptoms. Reach out if you have questions or need help.
Resources:
American Academy of Asthma, Allergy & Immunology
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
The Cleveland Clinic
FDA
NHS UK
