Food allergy is an immune system reaction that occurs soon after eating a certain food. Even a tiny amount of the allergy-causing food can trigger signs and symptoms such as digestive problems, hives or swollen airways. In some people, a food allergy can cause severe symptoms or even a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis.
Food allergy affects an estimated 6 to 8 percent of children under age 3 and up to 3 percent of adults. There's definitely cure with homeopathy.
When you have a food allergy, your immune system mistakenly identifies a specific food or a substance in food as something harmful. In response, your immune system triggers cells to release an antibody known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) to neutralize the allergy-causing food or food substance (the allergen).
The next time you eat even the smallest amount of that food, IgE antibodies sense it and signal your immune system to release chemical called histamine, as well as other chemicals, into your bloodstream. These chemicals cause allergy symptoms.
For some people, an allergic reaction to a particular food may be uncomfortable but not severe. For other people, an allergic food reaction can be frightening and even life-threatening. Food allergy symptoms usually develop within a few minutes to two hours after eating the offending food.
The most common food allergy signs and symptoms include:
· Hives,
· itching
· Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat or other parts of the body
· Wheezing, nasal congestion or trouble breathing
· Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
· Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
· Shellfish, such as shrimp, lobster and crab
· Peanuts
· Tree nuts, such as walnuts and pecans
· Fish
· Peanuts
· Tree nuts
· Eggs
· Cow's milk
· Wheat
· Soy…etc.
Risk factors
Food allergy risk factors include:
· Family history- You're at increased risk of food allergies if asthma, eczema, hives or allergies such as hay fever are common in your family.
· Other allergies- If you're already allergic to one food, you may be at increased risk of becoming allergic to another. Similarly, if you have other types of allergic reactions, such as hay fever or eczema, your risk of having a food allergy is greater.
· Age- Food allergies are more common in children, especially toddlers and infants. As you grow older, your digestive system matures and your body is less likely to absorb food or food components that trigger allergies.
Children are commonly allergic to milk, soy, wheat and eggs.
Asthma- Asthma and food allergy commonly occur together. When they do, both food allergy and asthma symptoms are more likely to be severe.
Diagnosis
Our doctor will perform a physical examination, take a medical history, and possibly recommend the following test:
· A blood test. A blood test can measure your immune system's response to particular foods by measuring the allergy-related antibody known as immunoglobulin E (IgE).