Food Allergies: Symptoms
Food allergies are suffered and experienced through food sensitivity and/or food intolerance at some point during their lives. Only one to three percent of the population have food allergies. Symptoms of food allergies may range from mild to life threatening and may include the following: gastrointestinal upset, nausea, vomiting, itching, hives, rash, difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a condition that causes a dramatic drop of blood pressure and swelling of the throat. It can be fatal if not treated immediately. The most common treatment for anaphylaxis is injection of adrenaline, also called epinephrine.
Foods that Trigger Allergic Reactions
Foods are more likely to trigger an allergic reaction than other types. Seafood (especially shellfish), wheat, eggs, milk, soy, and nuts are the foods included in the list of food allergies. Peanut allergies are usually the most severe and dangerous types of allergies. Some allergies to food develop in childhood or even from birth. Other individuals develop their food allergies in their adulthood. Some infants are allergic to milk and must have soy based formula instead. Other people may be allergic to soy but not to milk. The most common allergy that develops in the adult years is shellfish allergy. Crabs, clams, and oysters are the usual culprits when it comes to shellfish or crustacean allergy.
Confusion to Food Allergies
Many people confuse food allergies with food sensitivity and/or food intolerance. It is an easy thing to do because sometimes the reactions may be the same. There are two main types of food intolerance which are toxic and non-toxic. A toxic food intolerance may be caused by food poisoning due to bacteria in the food. Then there are non-toxic intolerance reactions which would include things like the burning sensation you get when you eat hot peppers. It may also include things like digestive trouble from dairy products, which is commonly known as lactose intolerance.
Because symptoms of food allergies can mimic other conditions, it is very important to obtain a diagnosis from an allergist if you think you suffer from this condition. Of course, if you think you are having an allergic reaction to something you ate, seek medical attention immediately. Because the life-threatening symptoms of anaphylaxis come on so quickly and are so dangerous, it is absolutely crucial to call 911 if you suspect you or someone else is having this type of allergic reaction. If your symptoms are mild but not indicative of anaphylaxis, ask your primary care physician to refer you to an allergy specialist for evaluation and diagnosis.
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