Food allergies: What you need to know

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Food allergy is a phenomenon that occurs when the body overreacts to a particular substance in the composition of food. Food allergies affect about 6-8% of children under 3 years of age and 3% of adults. While there is no cure, some children with food allergy symptoms are at increased risk of having these symptoms again as they age.

1. What is a food allergy?

A food allergy is an immune system reaction that occurs shortly after eating a certain food. Even small amounts of allergenic foods can trigger signs and symptoms such as digestive problems, hives, or swollen airways. In some people food allergies can cause severe symptoms or even a potentially life-threatening reaction - anaphylaxis.
Food allergy is different from food intolerance. Because food intolerance is a less serious condition and does not involve the immune system.

2. Food allergy symptoms

For some people, an allergic reaction to a particular food can be uncomfortable but also not serious. However, for others, an allergic reaction to food can be very scary and even life-threatening. Food allergy symptoms usually develop within minutes to two hours after eating the offending food. The most common food allergy symptoms include:
Whole body itchy rash or itching in the mouth, hives, rash, eczema, swelling of the lips, swelling of the face, tongue, throat or other parts of the body body. Wheezing, stuffy nose or trouble breathing. Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting. Dizziness or fainting Anaphylaxis: In some people, a food allergy can trigger a serious reaction called anaphylaxis. This can cause potentially life-threatening signs and symptoms including:
Restriction and tightening of the airways. A swollen throat or a feeling of tightness in the throat makes breathing difficult. Shock with a sudden and severe drop in blood pressure. Fast pulse. Dizziness or loss of consciousness. Urgent treatment is important for an anaphylactic reaction. In the absence of treatment, the patient can go into a coma and even lead to death.

3. Causes of food allergies

When you have a food allergy, the immune system mistakenly identifies a particular food or a substance in the food as a foreign substance that is toxic to the body. In the respiratory mode, the immune system stimulates the release of an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE) to neutralize the food or foreign substance in the allergen. The next time you eat a small amount of food that contains the foreign substance, the IgE antibody will sense it and signal the immune system to release histamine, as well as other chemicals, into the bloodstream. blood. These chemicals will cause allergy symptoms.
In adults, most food allergies are triggered by certain proteins in: shellfish such as shrimp, lobster and crab; nuts like walnuts, pecans and fish.
In children, food allergies are often triggered by proteins in: peanuts, nuts, eggs, cow's milk, wheat, soy.
Pollen food allergy syndrome: also known as oral allergy syndrome. This syndrome affects many people with hay fever. In this condition, certain fruits, nuts or spices can cause an allergic reaction that causes the mouth to itch. If the case is severe, the reaction can lead to throat swelling and even anaphylaxis. Proteins in some fruits, vegetables, nuts, and spices cause reactions because they are similar to the allergenic proteins found in some types of pollen. However, allergic reactions to pollen are less severe once these foods have been cooked.
Exercise-induced food allergies: Eating certain foods can make some people feel itchy after exercising. Severe cases may also involve a rash or anaphylaxis. So, not eating for a few hours before exercising and avoiding certain foods can prevent this problem.

4. Food intolerance and some other reactions

Food intolerances or reactions to foreign substances found in food can cause food allergy-like signs and symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, cramps, and diarrhea. Depending on the type of food intolerance, the body may receive a small amount without reacting. Conversely, if you have a true food allergy, even small amounts of food can cause an allergic reaction.
One of the difficult aspects of diagnosing a food intolerance is that some people are sensitive not to the food that causes the allergen but to a substance or ingredient used to prepare the food.

5. Common conditions that are easily confused with food allergies

Lack of an enzyme needed to fully digest a food. For example, a lack of lactase enzyme reduces the ability to digest lactose. Lactose intolerance can cause bloating, cramps, and diarrhea. Food poisoning : Sometimes food poisoning can resemble a food allergy. For example, bacteria in tuna and other fish can produce toxins that cause botulism. Food additive sensitivities: For example, sulfites used in dried fruit, canned goods, and wine can trigger asthma attacks in susceptible individuals. Histamine toxicity: Certain types of fish, such as mackerel and tuna, are not properly refrigerated and pose a high risk of poisoning due to the high levels of histamine in food. People with celiac disease will develop a gluten allergy when consuming foods that contain gluten.

6. Risk factors for food allergies

Family history: There is a risk of food allergy if there is a family history of asthma, eczema, and urticaria. If you are already allergic to a particular food, you may be at increased risk of developing an allergic reaction to other foods. Similarly, if you have had an allergic reaction to a food, the risk of having an allergic reaction in the next time will be higher and the severity will be more and more severe. Age: Food allergies are quite common in children especially babies and toddlers. For children who already have food allergies, as they age, their bodies are less able to absorb the food or food ingredients that cause the allergy. Asthma: Asthma and food allergies often occur together. Both asthma and food allergy symptoms are severe.

7. Food allergy prevention

Learn more about the ingredients used. Using a bracelet or necklace helps alert the body to an allergic reaction to a particular food. When eating at a restaurant, you should carefully choose your food and make sure that the meal does not contain foods that cause allergies to your body. At the same time, you can directly ask the chef at the restaurant for assistance. Prepare meals that can be taken while traveling or attending events. If you have frequent food allergies, see your doctor for an emergency prescription for epinephrine if the allergy is severe. Food allergies affect the skin, gastrointestinal tract, or respiratory or cardiovascular systems. For mild symptoms, no treatment may be needed at all or the addition of an antihistamine may resolve the symptom problem. But in cases of severe food allergies, a doctor will need to be examined and may prescribe steroid medication. This is a drug with serious side effects that should only be used with a doctor's prescription.

If you have unusual symptoms, you should be examined and consulted with a specialist.

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References: mayoclinic.org; medlineplus.gov; healthline.com