Food allergy

Food allergy is a immune system response that occurs soon after eating a certain food. Even a tiny amount of the allergy-causing food can trigger signs and symptoms such as digestive problems, hives or swollen airways. In some people, a food allergy can cause severe symptoms or even a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis.

Navigating Food Allergies and Intolerances Causes and Symptoms

Symptoms

Food allergy symptoms usually develop within a few minutes to two hours after eating the offending food. The most common food allergy signs and symptoms include:

• Tingling or itching in the mouth
• Hives, itching or eczema
• Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat or other parts of the body
• Wheezing, nasal congestion or trouble breathing
• Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting

Causes

Food allergies occur when the immune system identifies a certain food as harmful and reacts by producing antibodies known as Immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies travel to cells that release chemicals, causing an allergic reaction. This reaction can occur systemically (affecting the whole body), or it may be localized to a specific organ or tissue.

Risk Factors

While anyone can have a reaction to certain foods, food allergies are more common in people with a family history of allergies or asthma, in children, and in people with atopic dermatitis.

Prevention

The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to identify and avoid foods that trigger it. For some people, this is a mere inconvenience, but others find it a greater hardship. Also, some foods — when used as ingredients in certain dishes — may be well-hidden.

Treatment

The only way to avoid an allergic reaction is to avoid the foods that cause signs and symptoms. However, despite your best efforts, if you accidentally eat a food that causes an allergic reaction, medications such as antihistamines may reduce your symptoms.

See Also

• Anaphylaxis
• Immunoglobulin E
• Asthma
• Atopic dermatitis

Food allergy Resources
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