Food Allergies Defined
Allen Opheimer
Have eating peanuts or other food made you sick even to the point of going to the hospital? This could be caused by food allergies. An allergic reaction to food occurs when the body responds immunologically to proteins in the food. The reaction can be minor or it can be very serious as in the case of anaphylaxis which can result in death.
The body's response to food allergies can be varied and it can affect different body systems. For example, one's digestive system can cause a person to experience cramps, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. These symptoms can be similar to other problems such as irritable bowel syndrome or Lactose Intolerance, so it is very important to be diagnosed properly so that you receive the correct treatment.
In the respiratory system, food allergies could manifest as runny nose, scratchy throat, coughing, sneezing, or wheezing. Severe reactions may be seen as shortness of breath or difficulty swallowing. If you experience the more severe reactions it is recommended you seek medical attention immediately.
Food allergies can result in reactions in the skin. Hives and eczema, itching in the membranes of the throat, eyes, mouth and skin can occur. More severe reactions such as swelling of the face, tongue, lips or face must be treated immediately since airway restriction could occur.
Even though the connection between mood swings and depression and food allergies is not always easily recognizable, food allergy symptoms may affect your nervous system.
Most food allergies are classified as a Immunoglobulin E (IgE) response. This means that antibodies are produced in the body that attack non-disease causing substances which in the case of food allergies is the proteins found in certain foods. Many folks are predisposed to this type of immune response. When the food passes into the digestive tract the body releases IgE which also causes other chemicals such as histamines to be released. This causes swelling and in the case of the digestive tract this will appear as an upset stomach.
Diagnosis is usually done by an allergist. An allergist will review your history of reactions and may consider a couple of standard tests: the skin prick test and blood tests.
For the blood test the level of IgE antibodies is measured. Certain levels are generally considered normal and higher levels may indicate that a person is having an allergic reaction.The skin prick test introduces a small amount of the allergy causing substance into the skin. The allergist then looks for a reaction. Please be aware, that the skin prick cannot determine how one will react to the food being digested.
So what can be done? There is no cure for food allergies. Avoidance is what is recommended. There are many labels on foods and in restaurants that state that there are certain kinds of potential food allergens either in the food or around the food. If a person has severe reactions they may be prescribed an Epipen which administers epinephrine which can halt the allergic reaction.
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