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What are food Allergies?
Food allergies
must also be distinguished from toxic reactions that affect
everyone more or less identically, according to Leon Chaitow,
N.D., D.O., of London, England, because, while a toxic substance
such as cyanide will affect anyone who ingests it, any number
of people can eat the same food, and only the persons allergic
to it will have a reaction. The foods most commonly found
to cause allergies include wheat, corn, milk, and other dairy
products, egg whites, tomatoes, soy, shellfish, peanuts, chocolate,
as well as food dyes and additives
What
causes food allergy?
When IgE (immunoglobulin E) antibodies react with the food,
histamines are released, which cause hives, asthma, or other
symptoms of allergic reaction. IgE is a type of antibody formed
to protect the body from infection.
What
is the difference between food allergy and food intolerance?
Food allergy causes an immune system response, causing symptoms
that range from uncomfortable to life-threatening. Food intolerance
does not affect the immune system, although some symptoms
may be the same as in food allergy.
What
foods most often cause food allergy?
Approximately 90 percent of all food allergies are caused
by eight foods:
- milk
- eggs
- wheat
- peanuts
- soy
- tree
nuts
- fish
- shellfish
Eggs, milk, and peanuts are the most common causes of food
allergies in children, with wheat, soy, and tree nuts also
included. Peanuts, nuts, fish, and shellfish commonly cause
the most severe reactions. Nearly 5 percent of children
have food allergies. Although most children "outgrow"
their allergies, allergy to peanuts and tree nuts may be
lifelong.
What
are the symptoms of food allergy?
Allergic symptoms may begin within minutes to an hour after
ingesting the food. Symptoms can include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Cramps
- Hives
- Swelling
- Eczema
- Itching
or swelling of the lips, tongue, or mouth
- Itching
or tightness in the throat
- Difficulty
breathing
- Wheezing
- Lowered
blood pressure
- Asthma
Treatment
for food allergy:
Specific treatment for food allergy will be determined by
your child's physician(s) based on:
patient's
overall health and medical history
extent of the disease
patient's tolerance for specific medications, procedures,
or therapies
expectations for the course of the disease
patient's or parent's opinion or preference
At this time, no medication is available to prevent food allergy.
Treatment involves avoiding the food that causes the symptoms.
People
with food allergy must be prepared to treat any accidental
ingestion of the foods that cause the allergic reaction. Talk
with your child's physician about what to do in these cases.
There
are medications available to treat some symptoms of food allergy
after the food has been eaten. These medications may relieve
rhinitis symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, or asthma symptoms.
Talk with your child's physician about these medications.
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