On this page, you will find everything you need regarding food allergies
What is a food allergy?
It is an allergic reaction to a specific type of food, such as wheat, nuts, and others. A food allergy can appear either severely or mildly.
What are the symptoms of a food allergy?
When a person eats a food they are allergic to, the body starts an allergic reaction. The symptoms can range from severe to mild and include:
- Itching or irritation of the skin.
- Itching or tingling in the mouth.
- Rash.
- Swelling in the mouth or face.
- Cough.
- Abdominal pain.
- Vomiting.
- Difficulty breathing and shortness of breath.
- Wheezing while breathing.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Anaphylaxis.
- Hoarseness.
- Diarrhea.
- Headache.
What are the causes of food allergies?
Food allergies occur due to a defensive allergic reaction from the immune system in response to the proteins present in these foods.
Examples of foods:
- Egg.
- Milk and dairy products.
- Wheat.
- Nuts.
- Sesame.
- Fish.
- Soybeans.
There are also some factors that increase the likelihood of developing a food allergy, including:
- Age.
- Family medical history.
What are the methods of diagnosis?
The doctor takes the medical history and performs a clinical examination, and may also request additional procedures as needed, such as:
- Skin test: Drops containing the protein from the allergenic food are applied to check for a skin reaction.
- Blood tests.
The doctor may ask you to keep a food diary, including what you ate, when you ate it, and when symptoms appeared on your body.
What are the methods of treating food allergies?
The primary treatment for food allergies is to avoid all products that trigger the patient’s allergy. The doctor may also prescribe an epinephrine injection, which can be used in case of an allergic shock.
What are the ways to prevent food allergies?
To avoid complications and prevent allergic reactions, avoid any product that contains the allergens, including their derivatives. Read the food label before buying any product to know its contents.
What are the complications of food allergies?
The most common complications include:
- Anaphylaxis.
- Allergic shock: This occurs when there is a severe drop in blood pressure, resulting in facial pallor, loss of consciousness, and respiratory arrest.
When should you see a doctor?
If you have a food allergy and start experiencing allergy symptoms, see a doctor. In case of severe allergic symptoms, go to the emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of severe allergy:
- Difficulty and shortness of breath.
- Hoarseness.
- Swelling in the tongue or throat.
- Severe abdominal pain.
- Severe vomiting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Is a food allergy specifically to wheat products the same as celiac disease?
A food allergy to wheat products is not celiac disease.
A food allergy to wheat products is an allergic reaction to the proteins in wheat and causes symptoms affecting the skin, digestive system, and respiratory system.
Celiac disease, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disorder that occurs in the small intestine due to gluten found in wheat. Gluten can cause damage or inflammation in the intestines.
