Posted on December 6, 2007 in Food Allergies
Food allergy is an immediate and abnormal reaction or response to food proteins called allergens which are contained in various foods like milk, eggs, etc. Normally the immune system produces antibodies to ward off diseases and infections that attack our immune system but in the case of a food allergy the body identifies a food allergen as harmful for the body which may not actually be and responds by producing antibodies against them too which causes immediate allergic reactions when the allergen comes in contact with the skin or is inhaled or when eaten.
Food allergies occur a few minutes or hours from having come in contact with the food allergen in any form. The severity however varies from person to person. The initial stages or symptoms suffered by a person affected with a food allergy are a running nose, sneezing, etc. Severe allergic reactions caused due to allergens can be life threatening like asthma and swelling up of the tongue, throat, lip, etc.
Most people confuse food allergies with food intolerance. While food allergies can be fatal, food intolerance is not. Experts assert that food intolerance is caused when the body is simply unable to tolerate or handle a food.
Most common food allergies:
The most common foods that cause allergic reactions in children and adults alike include the following:
- Nuts or peanuts are the most common food allergen. Allergic reactions to peanuts can arise not only when one eats peanut related products or peanuts itself but when one touches or inhales dust particles from peanut products.
- Eggs can also cause allergic reactions in children and adults alike. An allergy to eggs is related to the egg whites but the egg yolk should also be avoided.
- Seafood like lobster, crabs and shrimps can also cause significant amount of allergic reactions in some people.
- Milk is another common food allergen. People suffering from allergic reactions caused due to milk experience an upset stomach, bloating and diarrhea conditions but which needn’t be caused by milk intake always.
- Wheat and wheat products can cause severe allergic reactions to some people.
Other common food allergens:
Other common food allergens include the following:
- Soya beans
- Yeast
- Cashew nuts
- Tree nuts
- Garlic
- Corn
- Oats
- Lentils
- Pepper
- Sesame seeds
- Sunflower seeds
Most common food intolerances:
Foods that can cause mere food intolerance include the following:
- Dairy products
- Wheat
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
Experts suggest that one should maintain a diary of foods he or she is allergic to and should immediately refer to a doctor or dermatologist for further treatment when one suffers immediate and recurring allergic reactions from a particular food allergen.
The doctor conducts skin prick tests or blood tests to determine the antibodies reacting to a particular food allergen. The best way to treat allergic reactions is to manage them well explain experts. However, doctors recommend epinephrine shots for severe allergic reactions in some people.
Making oneself and others prepared for an allergic reaction is the most practical way to deal with one claim experts. So equip yourself to face the worst conditions of an allergic reaction to any food allergen.
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