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The Hidden Truth about Food Allergens and How to Detect Them

There is this alarming threat of food allergens not explicitly specified in most food labels nowadays. As a result, this problem has resulted in food recalls over the past few years. In case you become one of the unsuspecting victims of hidden food allergens, you should consult an allergy specialist doctor immediately for proper treatment and medications.

Hidden allergens present in food products

The total number of food products recalled due to hidden allergens had doubled within 2007 and 2014. This is despite the existence of The Food Allergen Labelling and Consumer Protection Act wherein all food manufacturers are mandated to specify in their packaging any potential allergens present in their products.

This may include food allergens such as peanuts, soy, tree nuts, and milk among a few. If you experience allergic reactions from these ingredients, consult an allergist specialist the soonest you can.

The increase of food recalls due to improved detection of the presence of allergens may be a positive thing. It can indicate that there are better awareness and testing procedures done to ensure that there is no allergen left undetected as compared to previous testing methods.

However, many of these product recalls may not be triggered until there will be a surge of reports of allergic reactions among consumers. That is why the FDA is working with these companies to further prevent these problems in the future.

Why there are “hidden” allergens

There are possible reasons why there are these so-called hidden allergens. Among these include the following.

Cross-contamination

This occurs when some utensils are also being used for different food products. For example, some food establishments and manufacturers may be using the same utensil to slice meat and cheese, the latter being a common food allergen. In other words, these utensils may not be cleaned thoroughly before using it for other food preparation purposes.

Ingredients containing allergens

It occurs when there are ingredients used to create another product, such as eggs or milk, which are also common allergens. Or when the same cooking oil is used to fry fish and fries. For any signs of allergic reactions, it is best to consult an allergy physician near you.

Misleading labels

This may be more alarming because it does not clearly indicate the presence of potential allergens in the label. For example, some milk products may still contain traces of allergens despite it being advertised as “dairy-free” or other similar labels. These allergens may not be a major ingredient and only used as a food emulsifier or binder. Still, these practices can be potentially life-threatening for allergy sufferers.

How to detect allergens in food labels

Some food ingredients may have different names but pertain to one item. That is why it is important to be aware of these ingredients so you won’t suffer from potentially fatal consequences in the future. It is also important to consult the best allergist to know more about this particular food concern.

Eggs

This is one of the most common food allergens. It may be present in different food items such as mayonnaise, cake flours, cookies, cocoa drinks, and ice cream among a few. Even without stating “egg” in the ingredient list, its presence can be disguised under the following names:

  • Albumin
  • Lecithin
  • Binder
  • Coagulant
  • Ovalbumin
  • Ovomucin
  • Emulsifier
  • Vitellin
  • Globulin

Milk

Meanwhile, milk may be easier to determine than eggs. It is commonly present in food products such as ice cream, margarine, baked and batter-fried goods, chocolate, and canned soups among a few. Lactose, which is a major component of milk, may also be present in some medicines. You can consult an allergist specialist to know more possible food items and medicines containing milk components.

Soy

This allergen may also be present in food products such as bread, cereals, canned meat, cooking oils, and salad dressings among a few. Its presence may also be indicated in food labels under the following names:

  • Miso
  • Tofu
  • Soy protein
  • Bulking agent
  • Carob
  • Gum Arabic
  • Vegetable starch
  • Thickener
  • Textured vegetable protein

There are many different types of allergens such as peanuts, wheat, fish, and shellfish. Each of these may not be explicitly indicated in food labels but traces of these allergens may also be present in different food products. You can find more details about these food products here.

Find allergy experts near you

If you are allergic to certain food items, it is important to seek medical help from an allergy physician. Some allergens may not be clearly stated in many food products, but at least you can have an idea of the abovementioned food ingredient name alternatives the next time you do your grocery. Contact the best allergist doctor in Manassas VA for your allergy information and treatment needs.

What You Need to Know about Eye Allergies

Allergies can greatly affect a person’s life. For one, he or she should avoid eating certain foods to prevent the onset of allergic reactions. Even having a pet can be a torture for allergic sufferers especially if he or she loves being with animals. If an allergic reaction occurs, it is important to consult an allergy specialist doctor immediately to avoid further complications.

Allergic reactions vary from person to person. Some may experience skin allergies, while others may experience a runny nose and constant sneezing. On the other hand, some may experience eye allergies. Eye allergies, just like any other allergic reactions, can be quite uncomfortable and even painful in worst cases.

What is eye allergy?

Also known as allergic conjunctivitis, eye allergies are pretty much a common allergic reaction. It occurs when the eyes accidentally catch something (usually a kind of allergen) and then causes a bad reaction. When a trigger comes into contact to your eyes, histamine is produced that staves off the allergen.

Unlike different types of conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious. The allergy sufferer experience red, itchy, and swollen eyes. Sometimes, the allergic reaction can even be painful and make your eyes teary. Meanwhile, some people may even experience nasal allergies in connection to their eye allergies.

Types of eye allergies

There are also different types of eye allergies which should be treated by an allergy physician as soon as possible. These include the following.

Seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis (SAC and PAC)

SAC occurs certain times of the year depending on the prevalence of air pollens. Those with SAC often experience common symptoms such as itching and redness of eyes. Likewise, they mostly have dark circles under their eyes and experience puffy eyes when allergies attack. On the other hand, PAC is milder than SAC yet it occurs throughout the year. Unlike SAC, PAC is usually caused by pet dander and dust mites instead of pollen.

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis

This is considered a more serious condition than the abovementioned conditions. It occurs throughout the year, but it may worsen in specific seasons. If left untreated by an allergy doctor, it can lead to vision loss.

Atopic keratoconjunctivitis

This usually affects the elderly especially those with allergic dermatitis. It can cause itching and a burning sensation on the eyes as well as the excessive production of mucus that can shut your eyes when you wake up in the morning. In worse cases, it can also lead to corneal damage.

Causes and symptoms

In case you experience symptoms of eye allergies, it is best to consult an allergy physician to help manage your condition. There are also a lot of allergy clinics you can go to if you experience common allergic symptoms. Allergic conjunctivitis can be triggered by different types of triggers such as:

  • Dust or smoke
  • Pollen
  • Molds and spores
  • Pet dander
  • Perfumes and other scented items
  • Certain foods
  • Eye products such as eye drops
  • Cosmetic products
  • Drugs and medications

In other words, triggers of eye allergies are most likely airborne. However, there are some triggers that are not necessarily airborne. This may include eating certain foods or using eye products with ingredients that may cause allergic reactions. If you experience any allergic symptoms, you can also let an allergist doctor know possible triggers that may have caused your eye allergies.

If you come into contact with the abovementioned triggers, it can result in mild to severe allergic reactions. In some cases, you may experience an itchy or burning sensation in your eyes as well as light sensitivity. You may also notice watery discharge in your eyes after coming into contact with possible triggers. Eye allergies may also be passed on from parents.

Treatment and Relief

One logical way to avoid the onset of eye allergies is to prevent contact with its common triggers. Here are some tips to minimize, if not completely avoid, triggers that cause eye allergies include the following.

  • As much as possible, stay indoors especially during the peak of pollen count which is usually around early evenings and midmornings.
  • If you need to get out during the day, make sure to wear sunglasses to prevent pollen from coming into your eyes.
  • Never rub your eyes when it feels itchy. Instead, wash your eyes with running water.
  • Clean your electric fan and air conditioning unit regularly.
  • Find an allergy doctor in Manassas VA to treat your eye allergies.