What Are Food Allergies? Food allergies are the immune system’s reaction to proteins in food. Reactions can be mild to severe, in some cases causing life-threatening anaphylactic shock. These reactions are referred to as an “allergic cascade.” First the allergic food, such as peanuts, enters the body by ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. The body senses the protein in peanuts as a foreign invader. In response to the threat, IgE antibodies are released into the bloodstream, triggering the release of substances called histamines. Histamines cause the allergic response. Multiple body systems can be involved in the allergic response. A typical reaction starts with hives – raised spots on the skin that turn red and itch. Sneezing, runny nose, or gastrointestinal upset also may occur and sometimes can improve with antihistamines. These symptoms may be followed by swelling in various parts of the body, including breathing passages. Bronchodilators may help relieve shortness of breath and wheezing. Severe reactions can cause difficulty with breathing, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The most severe reaction, anaphylaxis, results in very low blood pressure (shock) that requires emergency treatment. Severely allergic individuals need to carry self-injectable adrenaline to slow down the cascade of symptoms. Consult your physician if you believe you have a food allergy. Clinicians use several methods to help diagnose food allergies.
Posted on: Tue, 21 Jan 2014 22:42:04 +0000
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