Over time, most children tend to outgrow allergies to eggs, milk, peanuts, fish, wheat and soy. But shellfish and nut allergies often remain persistent.
Food allergies may lead to reactions in the skin, respiratory tract and GI system that range from minor irritations to anaphylaxis that could even prove fatal if left untreated.
What is an Allergy?
Food allergies are immune system reactions caused by certain proteins found in specific foods. People who suffer from food allergies are sensitive to very small quantities of these products and even eating one may cause them severe, potentially life-threatening symptoms (anaphylaxis).
An allergic reaction happens when your immune system mistakes an allergen for something harmful and sends out antibodies – immunoglobulin E or IgE antibodies – against it. When these antibodies interact with mast cells residing within your skin, respiratory tract and digestive system, they release chemicals which dilate blood vessels and inflame tissues causing blood vessels to expand further and tissue swelling, blocking breathing passageways or making swallowing difficult; potentially even leading to stomach upset or other health complications.
Allergies differ considerably from food intolerances, which affect only digestive system function and not immunity. While they may appear similar, doctors must be able to distinguish which symptoms indicate food allergies versus intolerances.
Food allergies tend to show their effects soon after eating the offending food; symptoms typically manifest minutes to hours later. Common reactions include skin, throat, nose or ear irritation as well as heart, blood vessel and lung damage.
What Causes an Allergy Reaction?
The immune system’s job is to defend against harmful substances called allergens that could do us harm, such as allergenic foods, pollen, bee venom, pet dander and certain medications. When your immune system mistakenly recognizes certain foods as harmful it can trigger reactions such as itching or tingling in the mouth; swelling of lips, face, tongue or throat or belly pain as well as wheezing, nasal congestion or difficulty breathing that result in wheezing, wheezing or nasal congestion or difficulty breathing or blood pressure drops – extreme reactions such as anaphylaxis can even prove fatal!
An IgE-mediated allergy is the most frequently encountered food allergy type. This means that antibodies produced by your immune system recognize an allergen and trigger an immediate allergic response; typically caused by nuts, fish, shellfish and eggs and most often seen among infants and children, though it can strike at any age.
Non-IgE food allergies usually impact the gastrointestinal tract and are most prevalent among young babies. Common triggers can include milk, soy, wheat and other solid foods – commonly milk or soy formula, though more rarely wheat products and solids like corn can trigger symptoms as well as repeated vomiting episodes leading to dehydration and bloody diarrhea; fever is not typically an indicator of these types of allergy reactions but may occur.
How Does an Allergy Reaction Happen?
Allergies occur when our immune systems mistake a substance as being harmful, producing antibodies of type immunoglobulin E (IgE). When these IgE antibodies recognize allergens again, they trigger histamine release as well as other chemicals to produce symptoms based on how and where the allergen entered our bodies; symptoms may range from sneezing and runny nose to difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, tightness in throat tissue tightness in chest area dropping blood pressure rapid heart beat or even death.
Allergies include hay fever (allergic rhinitis), eczema, hives and asthma – conditions which affect people of all ages, races and socioeconomic levels; they can become worse over time.
Certain people with allergies suffer from what’s known as pollen-food allergy syndrome, where proteins found in fruits, vegetables, nuts and spices resemble allergy-causing proteins found in pollen and cause a reaction in their mouth and throat characterized by tingling or scratchiness if consumed raw and uncooked. This often happens with certain fruits.
Assuming you are allergic to something is the best way to protect yourself from an adverse reaction, but if eating out is necessary then make sure your waiters and chefs know of your allergies by informing them prior to ordering and asking any relevant questions about ingredients listed on menus. Bring any prescribed emergency medication such as adrenalin autoinjectors (Adrenaclick or EpiPen).
How Can I Prevent an Allergy Reaction?
Foods that cause reactions must be strictly avoided. Your allergist may recommend keeping a food diary to track which ones cause issues, while skin prick tests and blood tests can also help identify any food allergies.
Epinephrine is an emergency medication that can quickly reverse severe symptoms, including trouble breathing (anaphylaxis). Your allergist may prescribe an auto-injector such as Adrenaclick or EpiPen for use during an allergic reaction and should always be carried with you just in case it’s needed.
Most food allergies produce only minor reactions, such as hives, belly pain or diarrhea; sinus symptoms; or an itchy rash known as Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema). But some individuals can suffer from life-threatening allergies to fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish or shellfish – often occurring more commonly among children than in other age groups and often leading to more serious reactions than usual.
Pollen-food allergies cause similar reactions as those experienced by those allergic to pollen. When dining out or traveling, make sure the restaurant knows about your child’s food allergy so they can use clean utensils, cooking pans and cutting boards in order to avoid cross contamination by using clean cutlery and cooking pans/boards/bentonite containers etc.
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