Food Allergies Can Have More Harmful Than You Thought

     It can be frustrating! Imagine you're enjoying a delicious meal, and suddenly you experience a "food allergy" reaction. Many people know what foods they are allergic to, but others might not be aware they have a food allergy until they accidentally consume something that triggers a reaction.

Symptoms of Food Allergy

     Food allergies are a type of allergic condition caused by the immune system's abnormal response to certain triggers. These triggers, known as allergens, cause the body to release histamine, which leads to various allergic symptoms such as itching, coughing, phlegm, difficulty breathing, and hives.

Causes of Food Allergy

     Food allergies occur when the body is exposed to allergens in food. When a person consumes a food containing hidden allergens, an allergic reaction can happen. Common foods that often cause allergic reactions include seafood (fish, shrimp, shellfish, squid, etc.), eggs, milk, soy, peanuts, tree nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, cashews, macadamia nuts, pistachios, etc.), wheat, and gluten.

Types of Food Allergy Reactions

Food allergies usually occur in individuals with a history of other allergies, such as airborne allergies or asthma. The risk of food allergies is higher in these individuals. Food allergy reactions can be classified into:

• Delayed onset Symptoms develop gradually, hours, or even days after consuming the food. For example, red rashes and itching. In children, these symptoms may appear on the cheeks or joints. If the digestive system is affected, symptoms can include mucous or bloody stools, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Immediate onset Symptoms appear within 30 minutes to 1 hour of consuming the food and can escalate into severe reactions. Symptoms may include swollen eyes, swollen lips, hives, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, stomach pain, and vomiting.
• Severe This is the most severe form of food allergy and can be life-threatening. Symptoms may occur immediately after consuming the allergenic food and include red rashes, hives, itching, pale or flushed skin, dizziness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Food allergies can range from mild symptoms like rashes to more severe reactions, including difficulty breathing or even death. The speed of onset and severity of symptoms vary from person to person.

Diagnosing Food Allergies

     Diagnosing food allergies involves a combination of the patient's medical history, family history, and physical examination to make an accurate diagnosis. This process also helps differentiate other conditions that may not be related to allergies. Lab tests and specialized allergy tests are also commonly used, such as:

• Skin tests Several methods are used for testing allergies, such as skin prick tests, intradermal injections, or applying allergens to the skin.
• Blood tests These tests measure the levels of Immunoglobulin E (IgE), an antibody related to allergic reactions.
• Direct allergen testing In some cases, a person may consume suspected allergens step by step under medical supervision, a standard method for diagnosing food allergies.

Skin Prick Test

This is the simplest, quickest, and most accurate method, and it is also less expensive than other methods.

Doctor's Advice

     Food allergies can be inherited or may develop later in life. Proper food allergy testing with a specialist can help avoid consuming allergenic foods, preventing severe allergic reactions. If you experience an allergy after eating, it is not recommended to self-medicate with antihistamines, as it could worsen the reaction. It is best to consult a specialist.