Food Allergy
A food allergy is an adverse immune response to a food protein. They are different from other undesirable responses to food, such as food intolerance, pharmacological reactions, and toxin-mediated reactions.
The most common allergic component of the food is a protein. These kinds of allergies occur when the body's immune system mistakenly identifies a protein as harmful. Some proteins are resistant to digestion and some are not. Those which are not broken down in the digestive process are tagged by the immunoglobulin E (IgE). These tags trick the immune system into thinking that the protein is harmful for the body. Thus the allergic reactions occur. These reactions can vary from mild to severe. Foods that cause allergies include peanuts, tree nuts (Brazils, almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, walnuts and pecans), fish and shellfish, cows' milk, eggs, soya and wheat etc. Non-food protein allergies include latex sensitivity.
Some common symptoms of food allergy are as follows:-
· Itchy or swollen lips, mouth, tongue and throat
· Skin reactions (e.g. swelling and itching, a rash around your mouth, eczema and flushing)
· Wheezing or shortness of breath
· Diarrhea, feeling sick, vomiting and bloating
· coughing and running nose
· Sore, red and itchy eyes
It depends upon the individuals about the reactions of the allergies.
Causes of Food Allergy
· In some people food allergy sensitivity may develop since their birth.
· If you have allergies or conditions like eczema or asthma, you are more likely to catch food allergy.
· If someone else in your family has these conditions, this can also increase your risk of having an allergy, although it may not be the same allergy.
· Peanut or peanut oil has resulted allergy sensitivity in most of the people.
Diagnosis of Food Allergy
There are three common types of allergy testing:
· Skin prick test
· Blood test
· Food challenges
An allergist can perform these tests, and they further testing is required if there is some problem with the above three test’s.
Treatment of Food Allergy
There is not any specific cure of food allergy so you should avoid eating the thing which causes food allergies. If you have a mild food allergy, it may be possible to treat this with antihistamines. However it is advisable to take medicines by consulting doctor.
Prevention of Food Allergy
If you feel that cow’s milk causes allergy so avoid taking cow’s milk. The best solution to prevent allergy is to avoid the food which is causing food allergy. Some medications may prevent, minimize or treat protein allergy reactions.
