Backup of Food Allergy

 Food Allergy

There are nine foods that are linked to 90 percent of all food allergies. They include milk, soy, peanuts, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, and wheat. Foods that contain similar proteins to the previously mentioned will cause allergic reactions because the body’s immune system believes the two proteins are very similar. This is called cross-reactivity. When the body reacts to food allergens a person can experience the symptoms of dehydration, low blood pressure, poor blood circulation, vomiting and diarrhea, itchy/stuffy noses, swelling, and hives/redness in skin. Many of these symptoms are felt within minutes of consumption. Some of the other severe symptoms include wheezing/tightness in chess, hoarseness in speech, tingling in the limbs. It is also important for people with allergies to know that many of the side effects of consumption of allergens will attack the lungs, which can cause asthma attacks. 

To prevent such concurrences people should try to first become knowledgeable of the foods they might be allergic to by going to an allergist. Secondly, patients must always try to stay away from the consumption of these proteins/foods. If a person does experience symptoms of an allergic reaction they should always have their auto injectable epinephrine available or take antihistamines. Antihistamines are used for milder symptoms and come in various different forms: liquid, nasal sprays, and tablets. Some names it is under are cetirizine, fexofenadine.  An auto injectable epinephrine is a prefilled instrument that has epinephrine that should be injected into the thigh. 

3 Fun Facts about Food Allergies:

1. Many people crave the foods they are allergic to

2. Food allergies are increasing because many people eat processed/preservative-filled foods

3. Being allergic to certain foods does not stop the body from obtaining the same nutrients it needs