All of us deserve to enjoy all types of foods, whether you are fond of meat or a strict vegetarian. Food brings people together – meals are better eaten with the company of friends and loved ones. It also tells the story of each country – in fact, there are some foods and delicacies unique to that particular country.

While food is meant to be enjoyed, some are not able to do so. This is due to their sensitivity to a particular food by which others do not have adverse effects at all. In this case, it is important to consult an allergist specialist near your area so you can be prescribed the right medication.

What is a food allergy?

A food allergy occurs when there is an adverse reaction when a certain food is consumed.  Usually, allergic reactions can be mild and ones that go away after taking medications.

In the worst cases, food allergies may cause a potentially life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. If you have a suspected food allergy, you should have allergy testing so proper medications will be provided.

Symptoms and Causes

Among common symptoms of food allergy include the following:

• Skin rashes/eczema/hives
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain/cramps
• Swelling mouth/tongue/face
• Watery/swelling eyes
• Tightening of the throat/difficulty in breathing
• Blood pressure drop

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical help from a reliable and experienced allergy physician immediately. Upon visiting an allergist doctor, prepared to be asked about your history and diet as well as undergoing blood and skin tests to determine your condition. Better yet, you should avoid food allergens that you suspect causing those adverse reactions.

Common food allergies

Among common culprits of food allergies include the following:

1. Cow’s milk

Children are more affected by milk allergies than adults. This is usually caused by a bodily reaction to some milk proteins. Other milk-based and dairy products may also trigger allergies.

2. Eggs

Eggs are usually incorporated and added in a lot of recipes, which means avoiding it can be quite challenging. For example, this poultry is added to most bread and pastries as well as other savory dishes. Even egg shells are used in different purposes and can be mixed in other foods and beverages.

3. Peanuts/Tree nuts

Peanuts, which are technically under the legumes family, may be the culprit for your allergies but not tree nuts such as almonds and walnuts, or vice versa. Nonetheless, it is important to be careful when eating nuts as it can trigger severe reactions, especially among children.

4. Wheat

Wheat is commonly found in many foods such as beer, soy sauce, and ketchup. Even cosmetics and bath and skin care products contain wheat. That is why you should check the label carefully before buying it.

5. Seafood

These include certain kinds of fish and shellfish. Seafood allergies may either develop earlier in childhood or later on adulthood.

Best Food Alternatives

The good news is there are alternatives if you are allergic to the abovementioned types of foods. Here are some of the common food allergens and the best food alternatives as will most likely recommend by your allergy specialist:

1. Cow’s milk

There are a lot of cow’s milk alternatives if you are allergic to this. Among your possible choices (which can be a healthier choice, too) include coconut, soy, almond, oat, hazelnut, hemp, and macadamia milk among a few. However, make sure you are not also allergic to some of the alternatives mentioned here such as oat or soy.

2. Eggs

If eaten as is, you can easily avoid it. But when eggs are used as an ingredient, it can be challenging to avoid it. One of the safest options you can do is to make your own recipe not involving eggs. For binding and leavening, you can use a mix of water, oil, and baking powder, or used fruit purees such as apple sauce or mashed bananas.

3. Peanuts/Tree nuts

If you are allergic to nuts, you are also most likely allergic to peanut butter. One great alternative is using almond butter and sunflower seed butter. The former contains a high amount of fiber and low in saturated fat. The latter, on the other hand, is packed with protein and healthy fat.

If you want to eat nuts but are allergic to it, you can try munching on pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, or flaxseed seed. These nut alternatives can help improve your heart and brain health.

4. Wheat

If you are allergic to wheat or gluten, you can use coconut, almond, oat, or rice flour when baking. These are easily absorbed by the body, improve metabolism, and regulate blood sugar level. Instead of wheat bread or pasta, you can use quinoa, lentils, chickpeas, potato, or brown rice.

5. Seafood

Seafood including fish and shellfish are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids and protein. If protein is what you need on your diet, you can find it in chicken, beef, pork, tofu, lentils, and black beans.

For any signs of food allergy, find a reliable allergy clinic near you. Seek medical help from the best allergist in Manassas, VA today.

Millions of people all over the world are afflicted with a certain type of allergy. Such allergic reactions can affect a person’s daily tasks and even the overall quality of life. Allergies may cause potentially life-threatening effects. If you or a loved one is suffering from a specific type of allergy, it is highly recommended to seek help from a reliable allergy specialist near you.

What is an allergy?

There are actually different types of allergies. Some occur depending on the season. On the other hand, some are chronic, which means they suffer from it for the longest time and perhaps even for the rest of their lives.

An allergy usually happens as a result of the body’s reaction to a specific substance which is deemed harmful or toxic. Upon presence of the allergen — or any substance that causes the allergy — the immune system releases histamine which causes the allergic reactions.

Our immune system produces antibodies, in which the latter is able to detect a specific allergy-causing substance. Most people won’t experience adverse effects coming into contact with these allergens. But for some reason, some people are overly-sensitive with a specific allergen which causes their allergies.

Allergic reactions may also vary depending on the type of allergy. Some may experience a sudden runny nose or non-stop sneezing even though they don’t have colds. Others may experience itchy skin or digestive problems. In worst cases, allergy sufferers may experience difficulty in breathing or even death if left untreated.

For any signs and symptoms of allergies, it is important to have them checked by an allergy physician. He or she will help you manage or even prevent the onset of allergies. Once the source of allergy is determined, the allergist will prescribe medications and other tips to avoid having allergy attacks.

Common causes of allergies

Allergic reactions may be due to different things – such as pet dander, a specific food, insect bite, medications, or pollen, among a few. Allergy testing is usually done to determine the cause of such allergic reactions. As mentioned, allergies are caused by different factors. Among common causes of allergies include the following:

• Foods such as nuts, seafood, eggs, milk, soy, and wheat
• Airborne substances such as dust mites, mold and mildew, pollen, and animal dander
• Medications such as antibiotics, penicillin, or others
• Insect stings from wasps or bees
• Latex or other chemicals included in soaps or detergents that can lead to skin allergies

You may also be more prone to allergies if you have a family history of allergies (whether from food, airborne, or other allergens) or asthma. Children are also more likely to suffer from allergies than adults. For any signs of allergies, it is best to consult an allergy specialist doctor or find an allergy clinic near you.

Types and symptoms of allergies

There are different types and causes of allergies. Among common types of allergies are the following:

1.  Food Allergies

Food allergies may manifest itself regardless of age but are more common in young children. Some allergies can even occur even if you are already eating that certain food for a long time without any adverse reactions.

Among common food allergens include eggs, peanuts, seafood (including shellfish and fish), soy, milk, and wheat. On the other hand, people with food allergies may experience hives, vomiting, tingling sensation or swelling of the lips, face, or throat, difficulty in breathing, or anaphylaxis in worst cases.

2. Skin Allergies

Skin allergies may be triggered by different things including plants such as poison ivy, medications or food. These triggers may cause skin irritation including itchiness, redness, and the appearance of rashes.

Skin conditions such as hives and eczema are usually triggered by allergies. It is recommended to find an allergist doctor to determine the cause of your skin allergy.

3. Pet Allergies

This type of allergy is common if you have house pets with furs such as dogs and cats. Pet fur in itself is not allergy-causing, but the dander (animal dead skin cells), saliva, and urine that are collected in it are usually the culprit.

Among common symptoms of pet allergies include runny nose or nasal congestion (allergic rhinitis), watery or itchy eyes, or skin rashes.

4. Drug Allergies

Drug allergies may occur regardless of whether the medication is in injectable or oral form. It is usually triggered by certain medications such as penicillin and other antibiotics, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), or chemotherapy drugs among a few.

People with drug allergies may experience symptoms such as skin rashes and itching, breathing problems or anaphylaxis in worst cases.

5. Insect Sting Allergies

Insects such as ants, bees, and wasps usually cause sting allergies. People with insect sting allergies may experience symptoms such as swelling, itching, and redness on the affected area. In worst cases, the person may experience difficulty in breathing or anaphylaxis and should be treated immediately.

Prevention and Treatment

If left untreated, allergies may lead to health complications such as severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), asthma, ear or lung infections, or sinusitis. Other preventive measures you can take to help manage allergies include the following:

• Monitor possible allergic triggers. For example, if you notice your skin starts to itch when you eat eggs, take note of it in a diary.
• Stay away from possible allergens. If you know you have pet allergies, best not to keep a pet at home to prevent allergic reactions.
• Consult the best allergist in Germantown MD or elsewhere near you. He or she will help you manage your allergies and provide medications when necessary.