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The immune system mistakenly believes that a harmless substance, in this case a food item, is harmful. In its attempt to protect the body, it creates specific IgE antibodies to that food. The next time the individual eats that food, the immune system releases massive amounts of chemicals and histamines in order to protect the body. These chemicals trigger a cascade of allergic symptoms that can affect the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, skin, or cardiovascular system.
Although anyone can develop a food allergy, there is a hereditary component. Children with one allergic parent have about twice the risk of developing a food allergy than children without allergic parents. If both parents are allergic, a child is about four times more likely to develop a food allergy than if neither parent is allergic.
Many children with food allergies also show sensitivity to inhaled allergens such as dust, cat dander and pollen, or may develop allergies later in life. In addition, adults who develop food allergies often have histories of respiratory allergies such as asthma.
Up to two million, or 8 percent, of children in the United States are estimated to have food allergies, and up to 2 percent of adults. ";
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What foods can cause food allergies?
Although virtually any food can evoke an allergic reaction, six foods cause 90 percent of food allergic reactions in children: Milk, egg, peanut, wheat, soy and tree nuts. Four foods account for 90 percent of food allergies in adults: Peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish.";
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What are the symptoms of food allergy?
The most common symptoms involve the gastrointestinal tract, beginning with swelling or itching of the lips, mouth and/or throat. Once the food enters the stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or cramping may occur. Itching, hives and skin rash or redness also are common. Severe cases can result in anaphylactic shock — extreme difficulty in breathing, irregular heart beats, a drop in blood pressure and, if untreated, even death.
Allergic reactions to food usually begin within minutes to hours after eating the offending food. In a very sensitive person, simply touching or smelling the offending food may produce an allergic reaction. Even being kissed by someone who has eaten peanuts for example, can cause a reaction in severely allergic individuals.
Anaphylaxis is a rare but potentially fatal condition in which several different parts of the body experience allergic food reactions at the same time. Symptoms may progress rapidly and include severe itching, hives, seating, swelling of the throat, breathing difficulties, lowered blood pressure, unconsciousness or even death.
If you are experiencing such a reaction, seek emergency medical care immediately!";
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What is the difference between food allergy and food intolerance?
Many people think the terms food allergy and food intolerance mean the same thing; however, they do not. A food intolerance is an adverse food-induced reaction that does not involve the immune system. Lactose intolerance is one example of a food intolerance. A person with lactose intolerance lacks an enzyme that is needed to digest milk sugar. When the person eats milk products, symptoms such as gas, bloating, and abdominal pain may occur. ";
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What is the best treatment for food allergy?
Currently, there are no medications that cure food allergies. Strict avoidance is the only way to prevent a reaction. Most people outgrow their food allergies, although peanuts, nuts, fish, and shellfish are often considered life-long allergies. Some research is being done in this area and it looks promising.
There is no cure.
Epinephrine, also called adrenaline, is the medication of choice for controlling an anaplhyactic reaction. It is available by prescription as an EpiPenŽ auto injector. "; // END editorial data