7 Unexpected Allergic Reaction to Food Symptoms

What is a food allergy?

A food allergy is an immune system reaction that occurs when you eat a specific food. The body's immune system mistakenly identifies the food as harmful, and it produces antibodies to fight it off. These antibodies can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• Skin rashes or hives
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Dizziness or fainting

What are the most common food allergies?

The most common food allergies in the United States are:

• Milk
• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Fish
• Shellfish
• Soy
• Wheat

How are food allergies diagnosed?

Food allergies are diagnosed through a combination of:

• History: Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and any foods that you think might be causing them.
• Physical exam: Your doctor will examine you for any signs of an allergic reaction.
• Skin prick test: This test involves pricking the skin with a small amount of the suspected allergen and then observing the reaction.
• Blood test: This test measures the level of antibodies in your blood that are specific to the suspected allergen.

How are food allergies treated?

There is no cure for food allergies, but they can be managed by:

• Avoiding the allergen: The most effective way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid the food that you are allergic to.
• Carrying an epinephrine auto-injector: This device can be used to deliver a life-saving dose of epinephrine in the event of a severe allergic reaction.
• Taking antihistamines: These medications can help to relieve the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

What are the risks of food allergies?

Food allergies can be life-threatening. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can cause difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, and a drop in blood pressure. Anaphylaxis can be fatal if not treated immediately.

How can I prevent food allergies?

There is no sure way to prevent food allergies, but you can reduce your risk by:

• Introducing new foods to your child one at a time: This will help you to identify any foods that your child may be allergic to.
• Avoiding foods that you are allergic to: If you know that you are allergic to a certain food, avoid eating it.
• Reading food labels carefully: Food labels will list all of the ingredients in a food product. This will help you to avoid foods that you are allergic to.
• Carrying an epinephrine auto-injector: This device can be used to deliver a life-saving dose of epinephrine in the event of a severe allergic reaction.

Conclusion

Food allergies are a serious medical condition, but they can be managed with proper care. If you think that you may have a food allergy, see your doctor right away for testing and diagnosis.