By Mutalib Jibril
A food allergy is an abnormal immune response triggered by consuming certain foods.
When a person with a food allergy takes the specific food, the immune system mistakenly identifies it as harmful and releases chemicals, such as histamine, to fight off the perceived threat.
These chemicals can cause a wide range of symptoms that can vary in severity, from mild discomfort to life-threatening reactions.
Food allergies commonly emerge during childhood, and in many cases, children tend to outgrow them.
However, it is important to note that this doesn’t always hold true. While it is less common, food allergies can also develop during adulthood. Common allergenic foods include peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, eggs, milk, and wheat.
Symptoms Of Food Allergy
Food allergy symptoms typically emerge within a time frame of a few minutes to two hours after consuming the allergenic food, varying in intensity from mild discomfort to potentially life-threatening situations. In rare instances, symptoms may manifest after a delay of several hours.
These include: Skin Reactions, Itching, hives, eczema, or swelling.
Gastrointestinal symptoms
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea.
Respiratory Issues
Runny nose, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
Cardiovascular Symptoms
Rapid heartbeat, lightheadedness, or low blood pressure.
In severe cases, a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis may occur, which can be life-threatening. Anaphylaxis symptoms include difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, a drop in blood pressure, rapid pulse, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.
Causes of Food Allergy
The timing of introducing certain foods to infants can impact their susceptibility to developing food allergies. Introducing allergenic foods either too early or too late may raise the risk of allergies. To mitigate this risk, guidelines emphasize introducing common allergens, like peanuts and eggs, at the appropriate age as recommended.
If there is a family history of allergies, the risk of developing food allergies is higher. When one or both parents have allergies, the likelihood of their children having allergies also increases.
Test For Food Allergy
If your Doctor suspects a food allergy, he may refer you to a specialist for further testing. The tests that may be conducted include:
Skin-Prick Test
A small amount of liquid containing a potential allergenic food is applied to your skin to observe if there is any reaction or sensitivity.
Blood Tests
These tests measure specific antibodies, such as IgE, in your blood. Elevated levels of these antibodies can indicate an allergic reaction to certain foods.
Elimination Diet
You may be advised to follow a special diet that excludes the suspected allergenic food to see if your symptoms improve. This helps determine if there is a correlation between the food and your symptoms.
Treatment of Food Allergy
If you have a food allergy, it is essential to avoid consuming the specific food you are allergic to, as well as any food products that contain the allergenic ingredients.
To manage the symptoms of a food allergy, your healthcare provider may prescribe certain medications. For mild allergic reactions, antihistamines can be effective in alleviating symptoms such as itching, hives, or mild swelling.
In cases of severe allergic reactions, emergency medications like adrenaline auto-injectors, such as the EpiPen, may be prescribed. These auto-injectors deliver a dose of adrenaline to counteract the severe symptoms and provide immediate relief. It is crucial to carry and know how to use these emergency medications if you are at risk of severe allergic reactions.
In some cases, children with peanut allergies may undergo a treatment called immunotherapy, which aims to desensitize their immune system to peanuts. However, even with immunotherapy, strict avoidance of peanuts is still necessary to minimize the risk of severe reactions.
Gaining knowledge about your food allergy and ensuring that your family and close contacts are also well-informed is crucial. This education encompasses learning how to read food labels effectively, identifying potential hidden sources of allergens, and being aware of the appropriate response in the event of an allergic reaction. Additionally, there are support groups and resources available that offer valuable information, guidance, and emotional support for individuals managing food allergies.