Adverse reaction by our immune system caused due to consumption of a particular food item can be called food allergy. Sometimes allergy can be hereditary.
Symptoms and diagnosis of food allergy
Like any other allergy, food allergy is also quite subjective. It will vary from person to person and from substance to substance. For people who are allergic to a particular substance, even a small amount could react.
Some common symptoms of food allergies are:
- Rashes and hives
- Nausea
- Short breath
- Coughing
- Vomiting
- Pain in abdominal area
- Swelling of face
- Itching of skin
In extreme cases food allergy can cause fainting and even death. Anaphylaxis is a severe form of allergy which causes problems in blood circulation and respiratory tract. Some common food items that can cause allergic reactions are egg, milk, seafood, fruits and vegetables etc.
Diagnosing food allergies
The food item that causes adverse reaction every time you eat it is the main culprit. Though age is no bar for 1`getting allergies, children are more susceptible to food allergies. Cross reactivity can also happen, this means a person allergic to a particular food item, for example egg, will also give allergic reactions when he or she consumes any other food made up of egg. Two types of test are conducted by food allergy clinics:
Blood test: Amount of IgE antibody is measure for particular food item. Results are not as accurate as skin test.
Skin test: Food allergen is injected in the skin. If the skin reacts to the allergen than it means the test is positive.
Treatment of food allergy
First thing that one can do is avoid that particular food item. Allergy can also be caused by touching, so avoid coming in contact with that allergen. Symptoms of allergy can be controlled by giving antihistamine. Giving antihistamine is not a cure but it provides relief to the patient by calming down histamine. It can be given in three forms – gels or lotions, sprays and capsules. Steroids can also be given to settle down the agitated immune system. But before you try any of these yourself, do consult allergy clinic to know the administration and the appropriate form. Because these all are chemicals, it is necessary that you only take one which suits you and doesn’t cause any other chain reaction.
Whenever symptoms of food allergy are discovered, immediately go to your nearby food allergy clinical center. They will diagnose the root cause of the problem and start treatment. These clinical centers will also help you in managing the allergy.