Food Allergies

Food allergies develop when the immune system, for unknown reasons, fights against a particular food protein even though it is harmless. There are many people with food intolerances, which cause symptoms such as minor skin rashes or stomach upset. Food allergies, which trigger the immune system, are less common and more severe. True food allergy can cause anaphylaxis – a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death.

If you have a true food allergy, there is always a chance for anaphylaxis. Symptoms usually appear a few minutes to 1-2 hours after eating the food. The following are the most common symptoms of anaphylaxis, but each person may experience symptoms differently.

• Anxiety
• Facial and/or lip swelling
• Throat itchiness and/or swelling
• Hives all over the body
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Drop in blood pressure
• Dizziness and/or fainting
• Loss of consciousness

Food allergies are on the rise. There is much ongoing research to learn more about the causes. The following factors make food allergies more likely:

• Family history: Many children with food allergies come from families with a history of food allergies, hay fever or asthma.
• Eczema: Many children who have food allergies also have eczema.
• Young age: Food allergies occur most often in infants and toddlers.

Eight foods account for up to 90% of all food-allergic reactions. They include:

• Peanuts
• Tree nuts (such as almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts and pistachios)
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Milk
• Egg
• Soy
• Wheat

A person is usually diagnosed with a food allergy after having a reaction that requires medical attention. If it is not clear what food caused the reaction, skin prick testing and/or ImmunoCAP blood testing may be performed to identify the food allergen. Elimination diets, which involve removing certain foods from the patient’s diet, may also be implemented.

There is no cure for food allergies, although many children do outgrow them. Here are some precautions you can take:

• Avoid the food: The only treatment is complete avoidance of the specific foods that trigger the allergy.
• Ask about ingredients: People with food allergies must always inquire about ingredients when eating away from home.
• Read food labels: It is important to read food labels carefully. The United States has adopted food labeling rules that ensure that the common food allergens are listed in familiar language.
• Wear a medical alert bracelet: These inform health care workers and others of food allergies. They can be purchased in most drugstores or online.
• Be prepared for emergencies: Anaphylactic reactions caused by food allergies can be potentially life threatening. Fortunately, anaphylaxis can be treated with an injection of epinephrine, which can halt the progression of systemic symptoms and stop the reaction. Those with food allergies must carry and know how to use injectable epinephrine and antihistamines to treat reactions due to accidental ingestion.