Food allergy comes about when your body reacts to a given substance in the food you take. The reaction triggers an allergic reaction that can be life-threatening if you don’t fix it early enough. According to allergy doctors, the allergy is more pronounced in children than adults. This is because the immune system in the children is undeveloped.

Risky factors

While the condition can occur in anyone, some factors predispose one to it. Some of these factors include:

Family history: Just like diabetes, cancer, and other conditions, you are more likely to develop allergies if it runs down your family. If both of your parents have allergies, you are more likely to also suffer from it.

Medical condition: If you are suffering from gastrointestinal diseases, malnutrition, and other related conditions, the allergens are more apt to go through the stomach walls and into the intestines. Eventually, they get to the bloodstream causing allergy. Experts also report that you are at more risk of developing the condition if you suffer from a condition that impairs the immune system. This can be eosinophilic esophagitis or any other.

Symptoms of food allergy

The condition affects many parts of your body. Some of the affected parts include:

Respiratory system: The symptoms that you experience in the respiratory system include: stuffy, runny nose, coughing, wheezing, sneezing and breathing problems.

Skin: Skin-related symptoms include: hives, swelling, redness, welts, and itching.

Digestive system: Digestive system symptoms include: nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, itching in the mouth, vomiting, and rectal bleeding.

It’s good to note that most of these symptoms are more pronounced in children than adults. If the attack isn’t severe, the symptoms disappear on their own, but if you have ingested a lot of the allergic product, the symptoms can be serious. To avoid complications, you should contact a doctor if you notice the symptoms getting out of hand. Seek immediate medical attention if you are having trouble breathing, deep coughs, or experiencing signs of shock. These can be lightheadedness, restless, and confusion.

How to avoid the condition

The key to preventing the situation is avoiding the allergic food. Most people know the foods they are allergic to, but few know the ingredients that bring about the allergy. If this is the case with you, visit your nearest allergy clinic and undertake some tests that will help you know the problematic ingredients.