Food Allergies
Do You Have Food Allergies?
We need food to survive but for some people food allergies can make having a meal a frightening experience. For these individuals, eating must be done carefully and only by making sure that they do not come in contact with one of their allergens.
Cause
Like most types of allergies, food allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to a substance that enters the body. When this occurs, histamines are released to combat what is viewed by the body as an “intruder.” These histamines end up causing the types of symptoms associated with food allergies.
Symptoms
Food allergies can cause a wide range of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some types of foods can cause a person to develop hives, have parts of their body swell, and can even lead to respiratory difficulties. Furthermore, severe food allergies can lead to anaphylaxis, a severe condition that can be life-threatening treatment is not received immediately.
Types
Food allergies can be triggered by almost any type of food but some allergies are more common than others. Shellfish, peanuts, nuts, and dairy products are some of the most common triggers. Wheat is another common culprit. For sufferers, any product that includes these ingredients can cause food allergy reactions.
Treatment
The best way to treat food allergies is by avoiding the items that trigger the reaction. If you do ingest or come in contact with the allergen, you can take antihistamines to deal with mild symptoms or epinephrine if you have a serious reaction.
Allergy Management
Food allergies can be serious so carry a medical card at all times so you can get prompt and appropriate medical attention when you need it.