When the immune system of the body reacts strangely to a meal and causes inflammation, this is called a food allergy. Though they are typically moderate, allergic reactions can also be dangerous and even fatal. The Roze wants you to be aware of different types of food allergies.
Itchy mouth, swollen tongue, hives or skin rash, watery eyes, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, and throat tightening are typical signs of a food allergy. The most severe situations may lead to anaphylaxis, a chemical release that puts the body into shock.
When Do Food Allergies Emerge?
According to research, between 6.5% and 8% of American children and little over 10% of adults are allergic to certain foods.
NIAID, also known as the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, states that no one is born with a food allergy. Researchers are uncovering why some people are more likely to get food allergies than others. Still, they think age, family history, and genetics all play a role in how allergies develop. Compared to older children and adults, young children are more prone to develop a food allergy.
A healthcare provider will recommend you to an allergist for testing if they have reason to believe you may have a food allergy. To identify an allergy, the allergist will perform a blood or skin prick test. Blood tests look for IgE, which is an antibody that the body makes when it has a food allergy. In skin testing, a tiny amount of the problematic food is pricked into the skin to check for an allergic reaction.
Despite the prevalence of allergies in children, evidence indicates that by the time they reach adolescence or adulthood, many kids overcome their food allergies.
Watch out for these most prevalent food allergies:
Peanuts
Although they are frequently referred to as being in the nut family, peanuts are actually legumes, not nuts like tree nuts. In 2010, the NIAID did a national survey and found that 2% of American children have an allergy to peanuts.
The most common food allergy that results in death in the US is peanut allergy.
According to two recent studies, the earlier children are exposed to peanuts, the less likely they are to develop a severe allergy to them. Therefore, recent advice suggests introducing peanuts to a child’s diet at a young age.
Milk
The American College of Allergy & Immunology estimates that 2% to 3% of kids under the age of three have a milk allergy. By the time they turn 16, 80% of kids will no longer experience this allergy. Hives, an upset stomach, vomiting, bloody feces, and occasionally anaphylaxis are the typical symptoms of milk allergy.
All kinds of milk must be avoided by children who have a milk allergy. All dairy products, including lactose-free milk products, are included in this. In addition, foods containing milk, such as milk chocolate, should be avoided.
Eggs
Approximately 2% of children have an egg allergy, but by the time they are 16 years old, 70% of them have outgrown it. An egg allergy may cause anything from a minor rash to anaphylaxis as symptoms.
People with egg allergies need to stay away from anything that has eggs in it, including vaccinations made with eggs.
Fish
Adults may develop fish allergies, although they don’t always apply to all species. In contrast to shellfish, such as crab, shrimp, and lobster, a person with a fish allergy may not respond to tuna, halibut, or salmon.
Mild to severe symptoms are possible. Ask an allergist what kinds of seafood to steer clear of.
Shellfish
An allergy to shrimp, lobster, or crab is usually only a problem for adults, and it affects close to 7 million Americans. Most people with a shellfish allergy can eat mollusks (scallops, oysters, clams, and mussels) without problems.
Before consuming any other type of shellfish, anyone experiencing symptoms of a shellfish allergy should speak with an allergist.
Cross-contamination is likely because shellfish and fish are frequently stocked next to one another in restaurants or shops. Skin rashes, respiratory problems, gastrointestinal problems, and even cardiovascular events can result from allergic responses to shellfish. Shellfish allergies can develop at any age, but they typically first manifest in adults.
Nuts
Walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, cashews, and pistachios are examples of tree nuts, which are distinct from peanuts. One of the most prevalent allergies in both children and adults is to tree nuts. Furthermore, it’s fairly severe, with numerous reactions resulting in anaphylaxis.
Wheat
Children who have a wheat allergy are frequent, but by the age of 12, two-thirds of them outgrow it. Although a wheat allergy is typically not severe, it can occasionally be.
It varies from person to person, and many people with a wheat allergy may eat other grains. Families with a history of eczema and asthma are more likely to have members with wheat allergies.
Due to the vast range of symptoms, which can include everything from skin rashes to GI problems to cardiovascular symptoms, soy allergies are frequently challenging to identify. Each soy reaction might cause a person to experience a unique set of symptoms.
Managing Food Allergies
To keep safe if you have a food allergy, abide by these rules:
Consult food labels.
According to the Food Allergy Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA), food labels must clearly list the eight most frequent allergens. The allergy should be listed in the ingredients list. A warning statement, such as may contain, produced on shared equipment, or manufactured in a facility with X food, may also be included on the label.
Recognize Particular Nuts
There are many different types of edible nuts. Make sure you can identify and name each one as it comes out of the shell. Become familiar with the major food categories that include nuts, such as granola bars, and read labels carefully to check for cross-contamination from nuts manufactured in the same facility.
Contact the Chef
Make sure the chef is aware of your allergy whenever you eat out. You might need to inform the restaurant about the requirement for preparing and using separate surfaces if the food allergy is severe. To ensure the facility can meet your demands, call them in advance.
Always Carry a Pen for Epinephrine
After an allergy diagnosis, an allergist will recommend an epinephrine pen. The first line of protection against anaphylaxis is this. Put a reminder in your phone to refill the prescription before it expires and make a note of the pen’s expiration date. Reach for the epinephrine pen immediately if you suffer severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swallowing, throat tightness, or shortness of breath. The Roze Team wants you to know which foods could give you allergies.