Do You Have Food Allergy Symptoms

The following are the most noticeable and common mild food allergy symptoms which usually affect the skin, respiratory system, and digestive system: skin rash or hives, swelling of the eyes and mouth, edema or swelling of the skin, stomach pains, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, runny nose, and coughing. In some cases, food allergy can become severe and can turn to anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock. This condition impairs the respiratory system and blood flow. People with anaphylaxis have difficulty breathing and swallowing because of their closed trachea and these are shown through wheezing. Some people also lose consciousness because of decreased blood pressure caused by a widening of the blood vessels.

Allergy symptoms can be seen as early as two minutes after taking in the allergen and reaction to it happens in one or two hours. Sometimes, it disappears for a while only to come back in three to four hours.

Food allergies are usually triggered by a reaction to food protein. The most common are the following: peanuts, tree nuts such as pistachios, walnuts, and pecans, seafood such as fish, shrimp, shellfish, crab and lobster, milk and eggs (usually the egg white), soy, wheat and seeds such as sesame. Those who are allergic to peanuts and have asthma are those who have higher odds of getting anaphylaxis, according to experts.

Some people confuse food allergy to food intolerance. This is because the two have many similar symptoms such as stomach ache, nausea and vomiting. The difference between the two, however, is that food intolerance does not involve the immune system. One example is lactose intolerance wherein the body experiences an adverse reaction because it lacks an important enzyme needed for the body to digest dairy products like cheese and milk.

It is recommended by most physicians to avoid certain foods when one has food allergy. This is because there is the risk of cross-reaction. Typically, people are just allergic to few food types; but in some cases, they can also become allergic to related foods. For instance, when one is allergic to peanuts, he or she may also be allergic to peas and beans.

Allergy symptoms may seem alarming but there really is no need to panic. If one seeks medical attention right away, then treatment can be provided to prevent aggravation of the condition.

Anti-histamine medication is usually prescribed by the doctor to relieve the itching caused by the allergies. It is also good to apply calamine lotion to affected areas of the skin. Because of the itching and swelling of the skin, it is advisable to take a cool bath to alleviate the discomfort. It is best to wear clothing that is