There are different health conditions an individual may face. However, almost every person must treat at least one particular type of food allergy. That’s because the immune system reacts differently to different nutrients or proteins in the body. It’s little wonder most children have peanut allergies. That’s why it’s good to know what your allergies are and how to prevent them from happening.
What are Food Allergies?
Food allergies are unpleasant reactions the immune system may show when certain foods are eaten. Another term used to refer to food allergies is “food hypersensitivity.” Essentially, it is the body’s way of showing signs that some foods don’t go well. Most of the time, these allergies are noticeable through digestive problems or swollen airways. Food allergies mostly develop in childhood, but that is not to say they don’t occur when you are older.
General Symptoms of Food Allergies
Just as people are different and have different allergies, the symptoms also vary from person to person. It is also worth noting that most symptoms range from moderate to severe. You also need to know that not all signs are evident in a particular allergy. Here are some common or general symptoms of food allergies:
- Swelling of the face
- Diarrhea
- Runny nose
- Streaming eyes
- Skin rash or hives
- Tingling in the mouth
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Wheezing
- Itchy throat
- Sneezing
- Fall in Blood Pressure (in severe cases)
- Fear
- Loss of consciousness (in extreme cases)
Triggers of Food Allergies
While most causes of food allergies are often unknown, they are often just unpleasant reactions to food. However, knowing certain foods that may trigger allergies is essential. These are common triggers of food allergies, often referred to as the “big eight allergens.”
- Milk
- Nuts from trees, such as walnuts, cashews, hazelnuts, and pistachios
- Fish
- Wheat
- Soybeans
- Shellfish such as shrimp, crabs, and lobsters
- Eggs
- Peanuts and groundnuts
Differences Between Food Allergies and Food Intolerance
Food allergies and food intolerance are two different things. However, most people confuse the two. The symptoms of food intolerance and food allergies may be the same as the immune system is involved. However, food allergies only occur due to overreacting to the food eaten by producing antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE).
Food allergies are the immune system’s reaction to the protein in food. Still, food intolerance is the reaction or response of the immune system to chemicals, carbohydrates, or proteins in food. Also, the appearance of symptoms of food intolerance may take a while. One of the common types of food intolerance is gluten intolerance.
What is Gluten Intolerance?
Gluten intolerance and wheat allergy are often confused as the same. However, they are not entirely the same. Symptoms of gluten intolerance are not as severe as those of wheat allergy. Its symptoms include bloating, diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, anemia, and joint and muscle pain. You may keep a food diary to help you keep track of the foods and reactions you have to them.
However, if you are intolerant to gluten, you should avoid eating foods like wheat, barley (including malt), bread and pastries, rye, crackers, beers, and noodles, among others.
Types of Food Allergies and How to Prevent Them
There are different food allergies, and there are always other ways through which you can protect yourself from them. Here are some of them:
- Soy Allergy
Soy is a common ingredient in infant formula or food. Therefore, frequently, most children face soy allergies. However, that doesn’t mean that adults can’t develop soy allergies. The reason is that many processed foods for adults are made of soy. Here are some of the symptoms of soy allergy:
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Wheezing
- Repetitive cough
- Weak pulse
- Hives or skin rashes
- Vomiting
The best way to diagnose a soy allergy is to visit the doctor for a skin prick test or blood test. The most effective way to treat soy allergy is to avoid foods with soy or its derivatives, such as soy milk, soy sauce, soy yogurt, tofu, tempeh, or ice cream.
- Peanut Allergy
A peanut allergy attack is common and severe, especially in children. Some people develop life-threatening reactions such as anaphylaxis when suffering from peanut allergies. Common symptoms include digestive problems, shortness of breath, a runny nose, a tingling mouth, and hives.
There are three ways to develop this allergy. These include: eating peanuts, inhalation, or handling the handling of peanut processing. One of the best ways to prevent peanut allergies is to introduce peanuts to babies who may be at risk as early as six months. However, you may need to discuss this with your doctor to know if it is the right step for your baby.
- Milk Allergy
Milk allergy is also known as a dairy allergy. They are also common in children. Common symptoms include bloating, diarrhea, hives, baby colic, cramps, vomiting, and indigestion. To prevent this allergy, you must eliminate dairy products from your diet. You also need to ensure that you get a proper diagnosis from a medical doctor.
- Egg Allergy
This type of allergy is common in both adults and children. It usually occurs a few minutes after consuming eggs or foods containing eggs. Some signs and symptoms of egg allergy in children and adults include nasal congestion, Skin rashes, vomiting, Hives, and Anaphylaxis (in severe cases).
People with egg allergies risk developing other allergies, such as soy, peanut, and milk. Children with atopic dermatitis, which is a skin problem, are also vulnerable. The following are some of the preventive measures to take if you have an egg allergy:
- Avoid eggs or foods with eggs, especially if you are breastfeeding
- Have an allergy bracelet or necklace to let people know how to help you in severe cases
- Read food labels before eating
- Shellfish Allergy
Shellfish are sea animals with shell-like exteriors. Examples include shrimps, crabs, clams, scallops, oysters, mussels, and lobsters. If you have a shellfish allergy, you should avoid eating ingredients and foods with shellfish. Symptoms include the following:
- Eczema
- Dizziness
- Pale or blue skin coloring
- Hives
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Chest tightness
- Anaphylaxis
Conclusion
The best and safest thing to do is to know your allergies. While it is true that most children grow out of some food allergies, there are instances where the food allergies may be severe. Therefore, you need to visit a doctor and take a food allergy test to confirm your allergies. You may also consider keeping a food diary to help you keep track of the reactions you have to certain foods. Another essential thing to do in case of severe reactions to any food allergy is for you to have an allergy bracelet on always. That way, you can quickly get help.
You can contact Ravkoo health for the necessary consultation and support if you have any food allergies or wish to know more about them.
