Food Allergies Facts
Posted on March 15, 2008
» Filed Under Allergies |
A food allergy is an adverse reaction to a food that involves the immune system. When people ingest foods they are allergic to, their immune systems produce antibodies specific to that food. These antibodies attach to certain blood vessels (basophils and mast cells) and upon contact with a food allergen, release various substances responsible for allergic symptoms.
SYMPTOMS OF FOOD ALLERGY
Skin problems:
Hives
Swelling
Itchy skin rashes
Breathing problems:
Sneezing
Throat tightness
Swollen lips/tongue
Coughing
Wheezing
Circulatory problems:
Pale skin
Dizziness
Loss of consciousness
Stomach problems:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Cramps
A food allergy can occur at any age. However, it occurs most often in children under 6 years of age. It’s estimated that 1 in every 20 children has food allergy. Food allergy is most common in children with a parental history of food allergy.
Foods that are responsible for most allergic reactions include milk, eggs, fish (tuna, salmon, cod), shellfish (shrimp, lobster), soy, wheat, peanuts, and tree nuts (walnuts, cashews, pecans, pistachios).
When the immune system reacts to a food allergen, several body systems may be involved and a person may experience multiple symptoms. If several body systems are affected, the reaction can be severe and life threatening, resulting in anaphylaxis.
What’s anaphylaxis?
A severe allergic reaction that comes on quickly and can be fatal is called anaphylaxis. A combination of symptoms may occur during anaphylaxis, but breathing and circulation problems may become severe. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention. Anaphylaxis is treated with epinephrine (epi) by injection. This medication reverses throat swelling and wheezing and improves blood pressure and circulation. Epi can save lives of those with food allergy, so if you suspect that your family member has food allergy discuss it with your health care provider as soon as possible.
Dr. Hillary is a pediatric nurse practitioner with a doctoral degree in health promotion and risk reduction. She works as a pediatric clinician and writes for Plugged in Parents. Plugged In Parents provides up-to-date info on pediatric health, safety and nutrition along with movie reviews, recipes, tech-savvy tips, and a parent’s only forum. You can also contact Dr. Hillary for personal questions related to health and nutrition.
Please visit http://www.pluggedinparents.com
Article Author :Barbara_Hillary,_PhD
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