Food allergy is a reaction that happens while eating certain foods. Even having a tiny amount of that substance can trigger symptoms in the body. In some foods, allergies can create some life-threatening conditions known as anaphylaxis. Symptoms of eczema v. food allergies are quite different, and people should know the meaning of both. Food allergies affect at least 6 to 8% of children under 3 years of age. It’s essential to introduce children to allergens early for preventing food allergies.
Symptoms of food allergies
An allergic reaction can be uncomfortable for some people, while for others, it can be life-threatening. The symptoms of eczema v. food allergies happen within few minutes to two hours, depending on the allergy severity. Some of the common symptoms are:
- Itching
- Itching in the mouths
- Swelling of the face, eyes, lips, etc.
- Short breathing or even having trouble to breathe
- Abdominal pain, etc.
Anaphylaxis
In many people, allergies can become life-threatening, called anaphylaxis. Some of the symptoms are:
- Tightening of the airways
- Having rapid pulse
- Feeling dizzy
- Sensation in the lump making it difficult to breathe
Causes of food allergies
Introducing allergy-causing foods early in life helps in preventing food allergies. Likewise, when you have a food allergy, the immune system identifies the food as harmful. When you have the same thing, the antibodies sense it and signal the immune system to release the chemical called histamine. These chemicals run in the bloodstream and help to identify allergies. Some proteins like cause the allergies
- Shellfish or shrimps
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts, etc.
The following foods cause food allergies in children:
- Eggs
- Milk products
- Shellfish
- Peanuts, etc.
Pollen food syndrome
The pollen food allergy affects people who have a fever. Further, even in this case, fresh fruits and vegetables can trigger allergic reactions. Proteins like fruits and vegetables cause the response as they are proteins found in specific allergens. The children should be fed these proteins early for preventing food allergies. When the pollen foods are cooked, the symptoms become less severe.
Exercise allergy
After eating certain foods after exercising, people start feeling itchy and dizzy. Likewise, not eating for some hours after exercising can help in preventing exercise allergy. People should know how they can avoid allergies.
Food intolerances
Food intolerances show the same symptoms as food allergies, but the signs are less severe. Depending on the food intolerance you have, you can have small quantities of that food. But in food allergy, even if you have a tiny amount of the food, it triggers a reaction.
Preventing common food allergies
Early introduction prevents the rise of peanut allergy. First, talk with your doctor and know what kind of foods you can eat. After developing a food allergy, the best way to prevent it is by avoiding such foods. Some ingredients used in foods may be well hidden. Read the food labels before purchasing any such products.
- Talk to a doctor
If you have a severe allergic reaction, you might need an epinephrine autoinjector. You can carry it with you in case you get a food allergy anywhere.
- Stay careful at restaurants.
Make sure you tell the chef about the foods that you can’t have and are allergic to. Order a meal that doesn’t contain any of the allergens. Also, be sure that the food is prepared on the surfaces or in pans so that it is not mixed with the ingredients you are allergic to. Make your needs known to the restaurant. The restaurant staff will be more than happy to help you with the same.
- Pack meals and snacks when leaving home
Take a cooler with all your favorite meals from your home since you can’t have food everywhere. Likewise, when traveling, it’s best to pack your meals. Prepare an action plan to care for and supervise what you can have.
People tend to have unpleasant reactions after they eat something they should not. Many reports have shown that breastfeeding babies for 4 to 6 months can prevent allergies, but there is no solid evidence for it when you are allergic to a substance; it’s best to avoid it. Eat healthy and live a healthy and fulfilling life.