overview
A food allergy is an immune system reaction that occurs shortly after consuming a particular food. Even a small amount of allergic food can trigger signs and symptoms such as digestive problems, hives, or swollen airways. In some people, a food allergy can cause severe symptoms or even a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.
Food allergies affect around 6 to 8 percent of children under 3 years of age and up to 3 percent of adults. Although there is no cure, some children overcome their food allergy as they age. Food allergy Treatment in Hyderabad
symptoms
For some people, an allergic reaction to a particular food can be uncomfortable, but not serious. For other people, a food allergic reaction can be frightening and even fatal. Food allergy symptoms usually appear between a few minutes and two hours after consuming the offending food.
The most common signs and symptoms of a food allergy are:
- Tingling or itching in the mouth
- Hives, itching, or eczema
- Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat or other parts of the body
- Wheezing, nasal congestion, or difficulty breathing
- Stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
The reasons
When you have a food allergy, your immune system mistakenly identifies a particular food or substance in food as something harmful. In response, your immune system triggers the cells to release an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE) to neutralize the allergenic food or substance (the allergen).
The next time you eat even the smallest amount of this food, the IgE antibodies recognize it and signal your immune system to release a chemical called histamine into your bloodstream along with other chemicals.
Risk factors
Risk factors for food allergies include:
- Family history. You are at an increased risk of food allergies if asthma, eczema, hives, or allergies such as hay fever are common in your family.
- Other allergies. If you are already allergic to one food, you may be at an increased risk of becoming allergic to another. If you have other types of allergic reactions, such as hay fever or eczema, your risk of developing a food allergy is also higher.
- Age. Food allergies are more common in children, especially toddlers and infants. As you age, your digestive system matures and your body is less likely to ingest the foods or food components that cause allergies.
Complications
Complications of a food allergy can include:
- Anaphylaxis. This is a potentially fatal allergic reaction.
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema). Food allergies can cause skin reactions such as eczema.
preventions
- The early introduction of peanut products was associated with a lower risk of peanut allergies. Before introducing allergenic foods, discuss with your child’s doctor the best time to offer them.
- However, once a food allergy has already developed, the best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to know and avoid the foods that are causing the signs and symptoms. Food allergy Treatment in Hyderabad
