A food allergy occurs when the body has an adverse or abnormal reaction to a foreign substance. Allergies can develop early or later in life. Children are more prone to allergic reactions and boys are more affected than girls. A food allergy is a hypersensitivity to specific types of food or substances. The body’s abnormal response to the allergen causes the body’s immune system to go haywire and causes a series of undesirable side effects. It is important to note that this condition is different from food poisoning and food intolerance.
Causes of Food Allergies
There are many things that can cause a food allergy. The most common culprits are peanuts, tree nuts, milk from livestock, seafood, and eggs. A peanut allergy can be very severe and often affects children. Sometimes, children do outgrow a peanut allergy. An allergic reaction to tree nuts is also typical. The tree nuts that cause allergies include pecans, hazelnuts, pine nuts, cashews, and walnuts. Milk from cows, goats, and sheep can also create allergic reactions. The proteins in the milk are what causes the symptoms of discomfort. Sometimes, those who are allergic to milk are allergic to the meat of the animal as well. An adverse reaction to the consumption of seafood is often experienced by adults. Seafood that may cause allergies is fish, shellfish, and crustaceans.
Symptoms of a Food Allergy
There are several symptoms caused by a food allergy. One typical symptom is the development of rashes, hives, or itching on the skin. This type of irritation can be found on the mouth, tongue, throat, eyes, and lips. It can also appear on other parts of the body. Another symptom of a food allergy is wheezing and shortness of breath. If a person is exposed to a suspected allergen and begins to have difficulty breathing or swallowing, this is a good indicator that they are allergic to that substance. For some people, a food allergy may lead to a serious bodily reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylactic shock occurs when the whole body reacts violently and rapidly to the allergen they are sensitive to. The respiratory tract and blood circulation in the body are compromised and this reaction is potentially fatal. Other allergy symptoms include a runny nose, diarrhea, lightheadedness, nausea, and vomiting.
Prevention and Treatment Options
The most effective way to treat a food allergy is to refrain from contact with the allergen. Avoid any foods that are causing the reactions. Read the food labels carefully to make sure there are no allergens in it. Take care to not be exposed to the food and keep it from touching your skin and getting it into your eyes and nose. There are some ways to treat the symptoms of a food allergy.