Allergic Food Reactions
Food allergies are an immune system reaction to a food protein, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. The prevalence of food allergies has been increasing, with food allergy affecting around eight percent of children and two percent of adults in the United States.
Symptoms of food allergy can range from mild itching and rash to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that can cause a person's airways to narrow, breathing difficulty, and drop in blood pressure that may lead to shock and possibly death. Food allergy is a potentially dangerous and life-threatening condition, and as such, it is important to be aware of the potential allergens in our foods and take necessary precautions.
Among the most common food allergens are peanuts, tree nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, cashews, and pistachios), shellfish (such as shrimp, lobster, and crab), fish, milk, eggs, soy, and wheat.
Peanut allergies are among the most prevalent of all food allergies, with up to 3% of individuals being affected. This prevalence is due in part to peanuts' widespread use in our modern diet, as well as its inclusion in many processed foods. Those with peanut allergies should be aware of its presence in items such as peanut butter, peanut oil, baked goods, and sauces or gravies.
Tree nuts are also a common allergen and can cause a severe reaction in some people. Tree nut allergies may be due to a single nut or may encompass several. Some individuals may be allergic to only certain nuts.
Shellfish is another common allergen, and symptoms can range from hives and itching to anaphylaxis. Shellfish includes crustaceans like lobster, shrimp, and crab, as well as mollusks like clam and oyster.
Fish may also trigger an allergic reaction, and individuals with fish allergies should be cautious about its presence in dishes, sushi, and even fish oil supplements.
Milk allergies are most common in young children and infants, where a cow's milk protein may trigger an allergic reaction. Even trace amounts of milk protein in baked goods, chocolate, or meat products may cause a reaction in those with a milk allergy.
Egg allergies also tend to affect children, although many will eventually outgrow the allergy. Individuals with egg allergies should take care with the number of cakes, doughs, and other baked goods that may contain egg.
Soy allergies are relatively rare, though the protein is widely used in processed foods and may be difficult to avoid. Individuals with soy allergies should scrutinize the ingredient lists of many food products and may also want to avoid plant-based foods like tofu, miso, and tempeh.
Finally, wheat allergies primarily involve the protein gluten, which is present in many processed products. Persons with celiac disease or gluten intolerance may experience symptoms ranging from numbness to abdominal discomfort after consuming gluten and should avoid gluten-containing foods like wheat flour, bread, pasta, and cereals.
It is important to note that not all food allergies are lifelong, and many children with food allergies may outgrow their sensitivity to particular foods. It is also recommended to differentiate between food allergies and food intolerances, which may cause similar symptoms, like nausea and stomach problems. Food intolerances usually result from the body's inability to properly digest or absorb certain types of foods.
Common intolerances include lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, and caffeine intolerance. Symptoms of food intolerance may include lethargy, gas, bloating, and diarrhea, and usually do not present a serious health risk, unlike an allergic reaction.
Managing food allergies involves avoiding the allergen and being prepared for any potential reaction. Individuals with food allergies should read food labels carefully and carry an epinephrine auto-injector at all times.
In addition, these individuals may want to explore alternatives to their allergy-triggering foods, like soy milk for cow's milk or alternative flours for wheat flour.
It's also important to make sure that family and friends are aware of your food allergy and to have a plan in place in case of accidental exposure.
Food allergies can be serious and life-threatening, but with careful management and awareness, individuals can safely enjoy a wide variety of foods. Knowing the most common allergens and being informed about the potential risks of certain foods is the first step in maintaining good health and avoiding potentially life-threatening reactions.