Food Allergy
Overview
A food allergy is an abnormal immune response to a food protein. When the immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless food protein as a threat, it triggers an allergic reaction. Food allergies can range from mild to severe, and symptoms can develop within minutes to several hours after eating the offending food.
Common food allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, milk, eggs, wheat, and soy.
Food allergies are more common in children, but they can develop at any age. While some children may outgrow their food allergies, others may have them for life.
It’s important to note that food intolerance and food allergies are not the same thing. Food intolerance occurs when the body is unable to properly digest certain foods, and symptoms are typically less severe and do not involve an immune response.
Symptoms
Symptoms of food allergy can vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. Symptoms typically occur shortly after eating the offending food and may include:
- Hives or itchy skin rash
- Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat
- Itching or tingling in the mouth
- Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Shortness of breath or wheezing
- Runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, or coughing
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
In severe cases, a food allergy can cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include:
- Severe difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling of the tongue or throat
- Chest pain or tightness
- Rapid or weak pulse
- Loss of consciousness
If you suspect that you or someone else may be experiencing a severe allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
Treatments
Currently, there is no cure for food allergies, but the symptoms can be managed through avoidance and treatment of allergic reactions. The most effective treatment for food allergy is complete avoidance of the offending food.
In case of accidental exposure, the following treatments may be used to manage symptoms:
- Antihistamines: Over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines can help relieve mild to moderate symptoms, such as hives or itching.
- Epinephrine auto-injectors: For severe reactions, an epinephrine auto-injector, such as an EpiPen, may be prescribed. Epinephrine is a medication that can quickly reverse anaphylaxis and is life-saving in some cases.
- Medical management: For severe or recurrent allergic reactions, your doctor may recommend allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) or other specialized treatments to desensitize the immune system to the offending food.
It’s important to have a written emergency action plan in case of an allergic reaction and to carry an epinephrine auto-injector if prescribed by a doctor. If you suspect that you may have a food allergy, it’s important to see an allergist for testing and to develop a management plan.
A food allergy is an abnormal immune response to a food protein.
- hives
- itching
- swelling
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- abdominal pain
- difficulty breathing
