Posted on November 8, 2007 in Food Allergies
Breathing problem, itching in the mouth and swelling are some of the most common effects of food allergy. You eat something delectable and end up panting for breath. This is the situation an allergic experiences.
Some people confuse food allergies with food intolerance. Intolerance to certain food causes physiological tribulations like gas, acidity, indigestion etc, whereas food allergies are more dangerous as they can become life threatening as well.
Cause of food allergies:
The main cause of any kind of food allergies is the allergens. These are the components, which trigger allergies. They are actually proteins in the food items that resist the heat in cooking, the acid in the stomach and the intestinal digestive enzymes. They succeed in crossing the gastrointestinal lining and enter the blood stream. The stream of blood then carries them to different parts of the body. They attack the body organs and allergic reactions start appearing in the body with various symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms of food allergies:
- Itching of the mouth is a common symptom of food allergies. Generally the itching starts immediately after eating a particular food.
- A feeling of weakness and light headedness is also a symptom of food allergies.
- The allergic patient may have difficulty in swallowing and breathing.
- He/she may have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
- As a result of severe food allergy reaction, anaphylaxis—a drop in blood pressure—may occur. Immediate medical assistance should be sought in case of anaphylaxis.
- A mild tingling in the mouth and throat and discomfort in the abdomen are also the symptoms of food allergies. These may lead to an anaphylactic reaction.
- Hives and eczema may also occur on the skin as a symptom of food allergy. Swelling, redness, itching, and atopic dermatitis are also some of the symptoms of food allergies on skin.
- Coughing, sneezing and wheezing are o very prominent symptoms of food allergies.
- Sudden headaches and congestion are some of the frequently seen symptoms of food allergies.
- Symptoms of food allergies also include soft skin bloats around the eyes and mild rashes.
- Unconsciousness is the symptom of more serious kind of food allergy.
- Asthma is also a symptom of food allergy, which generally occurs due to the allergens’ attack on the lungs.
Food allergies are different from food intolerance as they are more dangerous and may also prove fatal. The symptoms of food allergies may occur any time between a minute to two hours from the time of eating. Initially the symptoms may be very mild. But they should not be ignored. In case of food allergies it is always better to consult a doctor immediately.
Food builds up our body. It might destroy the body as well. Therefore, we need to be conscious about the deleterious food for us and should avoid them as much as possible.
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