Food allergy is an unwanted reaction to food proteins by the immune system, usually by antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE).
The prevalence of the disease among children ranges between 3% - 5%, but it is higher in children who suffer from atopic dermatitis, while among adults the prevalence of the disease ranges between 1% - 2%.
Due to the immaturity of intestinal mucosal protection mechanisms in the first months after birth, the intestine absorbs large amounts of allergic food molecules, which stimulates the production of allergic antibodies of the type IgE, or they stimulate the occurrence of other local immune reactions as a result of the work of the immune system located within the system. Digestive.
80% of children with allergies to milk, soy, or eggs develop the ability to tolerate these foods by the age of three years, while allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, and fish are generally permanent.
Common food allergy symptoms:
*Tingling or itching in the mouth.
*Hives, itching, or eczema.
*Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, throat, or other parts of the body.
*Nasal congestion.
*difficulty breathing.
*Abdominal pain.
*Diarrhea.
*Nausea or vomiting.
*Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis:
In some people, a food allergy can lead to a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This can cause life-threatening signs and symptoms, including:
*Constriction and tightening of the bronchial tubes.
* Swelling of the throat or a feeling of a lump in the throat that makes breathing difficult.
*Shock with a sharp drop in blood pressure.
*Pulse speed.
*Dizziness, vertigo, or loss of consciousness.
Symptoms that require going to the emergency room:
*Narrowing of the airways, making breathing difficult.
*Shock with a sharp drop in blood pressure.
*Pulse speed.
*Dizziness or vertigo.
Emergency treatment is crucial for anaphylaxis as if untreated anaphylaxis can cause coma or even death.
Causes of food allergy:
A food allergy occurs when the immune system mistakenly treats proteins in food as a pathogen, and as a result a number of chemicals are released and it is these substances that cause allergy symptoms.
Almost any food can cause an allergic reaction, but there are certain foods that are responsible for most food allergies. The most common foods that cause allergies are:
*milk.
*egg.
*Peanuts.
*Walnut.
*Fish.
*Oysters.
*Wheat.
*Sesame.
*soybean.
*Some fruits and vegetables such as peaches, apricots, etc.
Food allergy caused by exercise:
Eating certain foods may cause itching and dizziness shortly after you start exercising. Serious cases may include anaphylaxis. Not eating for a few hours before exercising, and avoiding certain foods, may help prevent this problem.
Food intolerances and other reactions:
A food intolerance or reaction to another substance you ingest may cause the same signs and symptoms as a food allergy, such as nausea, vomiting, cramping, and diarrhea.
Depending on the type of food intolerance you have, you may be able to eat small amounts of problem foods without a reaction. In contrast, if you have a true food allergy, even a small amount of food may trigger an allergic reaction.
The most prominent of these cases include:
*The absence of an enzyme necessary to fully digest food
You may not have adequate amounts of some enzymes needed to digest certain foods.
*food poisoning
Sometimes food poisoning can resemble an allergic reaction as bacteria in spoiled tuna and other fish can also create a toxin that leads to harmful reactions.
*Allergy to food additives
Some people experience gastrointestinal reactions and other symptoms after consuming certain food additives.
*Histamine toxicity
Some fish, such as tuna or mackerel, that are not properly refrigerated and contain large amounts of bacteria may also contain high levels of histamine that trigger symptoms similar to those of a food allergy.
*Celiac disease
While celiac disease is sometimes referred to as gluten sensitivity, it does not lead to anaphylaxis.
Complications of food allergy:
* Anaphylaxis: This is a life-threatening allergic reaction.
*Atopic dermatitis (eczema): A food allergy may cause a skin reaction, such as eczema.
Food allergy treatment
1. Treating a minor allergic reaction
For a mild allergic reaction, over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines may help reduce symptoms. These medications can be taken after exposure to an allergic food to help relieve the itching. However, antihistamines cannot treat a severe allergic reaction.
2. Treating a severe allergic reaction
For a severe allergic reaction, you may need an emergency injection of epinephrine and go to the emergency room.
Many people with allergies carry an epinephrine auto-injector. This device is a compact syringe with a hidden needle that injects a single dose of medication when pressed against your thigh.
Preventing food allergy:
*Breastfeeding for a long time.
*Refrain from eating foods that cause allergies.
*Know what you eat and drink.
*Consult your doctor about prescribing epinephrine in emergency situations.
*Caution in restaurants regarding the ingredients used in preparing meals.
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