Food allergies are a common health issue that can develop in people of all ages. Food allergy symptoms happen when the immune system incorrectly identifies a typically safe food as a dangerous threat. The immune system then produces symptoms that can range from mild symptoms such as itchiness to severe symptoms that can be life-threatening. Learning the answers to what food allergies are, what causes food allergies, how to recognize food allergy symptoms, and how to manage food allergies is useful to individuals experiencing allergies to keep them safe and away from triggers.

What Causes Food Allergies?

Food allergies are a result of a defect in the immune system. Normally, the immune system keeps the body safe from harmful invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. In the case of someone who has a food allergy, when a specific food protein is encountered, the immune system decides the food is unsafe and mounts a defensive response to eliminate it. To do so, the immune system produces antibodies known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) designed to defend the body from the offending antigen. The response destroys the invader by releasing chemicals such as histamine that cause the allergenic symptoms.

Some foods tend to trigger allergic reactions more than other items. The most frequent food allergies, frequently referred to as the “Big 8”, consist of:

1,Dairy products

2,Eggs

3,Peanuts

4,Tree nuts (such as almonds and walnuts)

5,Soy

6,Wheat

7,Fish (like salmon and tuna)

8,Shellfish (like shrimp and lobster and crab)

While these foods create the majority of food allergies, it is important to keep in mind that any food can trigger an allergy. Some people may also have food allergies to fruits and vegetables or spices.

Symptoms of Food Allergies

There are a number of ways that food allergies can present and symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some common symptoms of food allergies are:

• Skin reactions: Hives, redness, itching, or swelling, especially around the face or lips.

• Digestive problems: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach aches.

• Respiratory problems: Wheezing, coughing, a runny nose, or shortness of breath.

• Anaphylaxis: A serious, life-threatening reaction that may cause swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, and loss of consciousness, and requires medical assistance and an injection of epinephrine. The severity of the reaction can vary based on the person and the food they are allergic to. Some people could have a mild reaction and other people could have anaphylaxis after eating just a little bit of the allergen.

Identifying Food Allergies

1,Typically, the approach to identifying a food allergy can be divided into a few steps:

2,Medical history: A clinician will ask you questions regarding your symptoms, when those symptoms occur, and if you have observed any patterns with particular foods.

3,Physical exam: The clinician may perform a physical exam to identify any physical signs of an allergic reaction.

4,Allergy testing: Tests, such as skin prick tests and blood tests, can be helpful in identifying food allergens. Skin prick tests require placing a small amount of the suspected allergen on the skin and pricking the skin to observe if there is a reaction. Blood tests can measure levels of IgE antibodies to particular foods.In some cases an elimination diet (the process of removing any potential allergens from the diet for a specific time) or oral food challenge (the patient eats small portions of the suspected food in a medical setting) may be helpful.

How to Manage Food Allergies

Although there is no cure for food allergies, they can be managed through careful preparation and diligence. Here are some ways you can manage food allergies:

1,Avoidance. The most effective way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid the food that causes the allergy. This means being diligent in reading labels, asking about the ingredients in prepared food when dining out, and being aware of cross-contamination.

2,Carry emergency medicine / epinephrine. Someone with a serious food allergy must carry an epinephrine auto-injector (for example, an EpiPen) at all times. Epinephrine can reverse the effects of a serious allergic reaction, which can be anaphylaxis and can save a life if given quickly.

3,Educate others. Individuals with food allergies need to educate family members, friends, coworkers and school staff about their food allergies. This allows others to assist if there are any emergencies or make sure they are not handing out or serving food that may cause an allergic reaction.

4,Medical identification: It can be useful to wear a medical ID bracelet/neckerchief that lists the food allergens; it offers information about the allergy to healthcare providers and those that may be involved.

5,Working with an allergist: People with food allergies should work with an allergist for individualized care and recommendations. The allergist can assist in developing an allergy management plan and provide ongoing assistance.

Coping with Food Allergies

Living with a food allergy requires an ongoing degree of awareness, but it will not require individuals to stop enjoying life. Food allergies have typically been diagnosed in childhood, but they can develop at any time. To manage a food allergy is an ongoing ability to approach each situation, stay current with the treatment for food allergies, and accommodate your lifestyle when necessary.Focusing on positives from food allergies is also important. Many people with food allergies can enjoy a broad selection of food and have clever and imaginative approaches to safe eating that everyone can enjoy. Support groups and online communities have also assisted people with food allergies with connectivity and community.

conclusion

food allergies are a serious and potentially lifethreatening issue. With the right education and preparation, people can go on to live healthy, safe and fullfilling lives. Knowing the causes, signs and treatment options of food allergies is critical for preventing a reaction and staying safe. With the right support, food allergies do not have to keep a person from enjoying food and life.