Food Allergies

An abnormal immune reaction to a specific food or substance in food is what is known as a food allergy. Food allergies occur when an individual's immune system incorrectly interprets particular proteins in the allergenic food as harmful intruders, either through ingestion or contact. In response, the immune system releases molecules like histamine, which can set off a cascade of unpleasant effects, including but not limited to allergies.
Depending on the severity of the allergy, the following are some of the most common symptoms:
1. Skin reactions: Hives, itching, or eczema.
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach discomforts are all examples of gastrointestinal symptoms.
Sneezing, coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing and a runny or stuffy nose are all examples of respiratory symptoms.
- Anaphylaxis: a severe and sometimes fatal allergic reaction characterized by a sudden and dramatic drop in blood pressure, swelling of the throat, and trouble breathing.
- Some people with food allergies only need a very small amount of the allergenic item to experience symptoms, but this is not the case for everyone. Peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, milk, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish are only some of the most commonly reported food allergies. Individuals with the same food allergy may experience different types and degrees of reaction.
Those who suffer from food allergies must steer clear of the offending substances and have emergency treatment on hand, such as epinephrine (available as EpiPen) in case of an anaphylactic reaction. Maintaining one's health and safety often necessitates the assistance of an allergist or immunologist in the identification and treatment of food allergies.