The rise in food allergies is becoming a significant worry, impacting millions globally. They can cause a range of uncomfortable and even life-threatening symptoms. This guide by Ayushman Diagnostic & Imaging Centre aims to empower you with knowledge about food allergies, their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and management.
What are Food Allergies?
Food allergies occur when your body’s immune system, designed to fight off harmful bacteria and viruses, mistakenly identifies a specific food protein as a threat. This triggers an allergic reaction, releasing chemicals like histamine that cause various symptoms.
Common Food Allergies
While any food can trigger an allergy, eight types account for roughly 90% of cases:
- Milk
- Eggs
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts (almonds, walnuts, cashews, etc.)
- Soy
- Wheat
- Shellfish (shrimp, crab, lobster, etc.)
- Fish
How do food allergies affect my body?
After ingesting a trigger food, the immune system kicks in, releasing histamine and other chemicals. This leads to a cascade of symptoms that can vary depending on the individual and the amount of food consumed. Symptoms typically develop within two hours of exposure.
Are food allergies the same as food intolerances?
Differentiating between food allergies and intolerances is essential. Food allergies involve the immune system, while intolerances are digestive system issues. Allergies can be life-threatening, while intolerances typically cause discomfort but are not dangerous. For example, lactose intolerance results in digestive issues due to the inability to break down lactose sugar in milk, but it’s not an immune response.
Risk Factors for Food Allergies
Food allergies tend to run in families. You’re more likely to develop a food allergy if you have a family history of allergies (hay fever, eczema, asthma).
Symptoms of Food Allergies
The severity of food allergy symptoms can vary greatly. Common symptoms include:
- Skin: Hives, rashes, itching, swelling of lips or eyelids.
- Mouth and Throat: Itching, swelling of tongue or throat, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing.
- Respiratory: Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath.
- Digestive: Abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea.
- Other: Lightheadedness, loss of consciousness (in severe cases).
Anaphylaxis: A Life-Threatening Reaction
The most severe allergic reaction is anaphylaxis. It’s a rapid progression that can lead to anaphylactic shock, making it difficult or impossible to breathe. This situation demands urgent medical attention.
How are food allergies diagnosed?
Ayushman Diagnostic & Imaging Centre offers various diagnostic tools to identify food allergies. A healthcare professional will typically ask about your symptoms, their timing, and the suspected trigger food.
Skin prick test: This is a common and non-invasive test where small amounts of potential allergens are pricked onto the skin. A raised, itchy area indicates a possible allergy.
Blood test (RAST): This test measures the level of specific antibodies (immune system proteins) against various allergens in your blood. Elevated levels of specific antibodies can suggest an allergy.
Managing Food Allergies
Once diagnosed, the primary management strategy involves strict avoidance of trigger foods. This requires careful reading of food labels and an understanding of hidden ingredients. Food manufacturers are legally obligated to clearly label the eight most common allergens on their products. Look for phrases like “contains” or “may contain” to avoid accidental exposure.
Emergency Preparedness
People with severe allergies need to have an epinephrine auto-injector with them at all times. This device delivers a shot of epinephrine, a medication that can reverse anaphylaxis symptoms. Ayushman Diagnostic & Imaging Centre can guide you on obtaining an epinephrine auto-injector and proper usage training.
Final Note
Don’t let food allergies control your life. Take charge of your health and well-being. Ayushman Diagnostic & Imaging Centre is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us to book a test. We are dedicated to helping you live a healthy and enjoyable life, free from the limitations of food allergies.