The Worrisome Food Allergies

A food allergy is an opposing immune response to a food protein. This exaggerated immune reaction is usually triggered by some specific food, e.g. peanuts, milk and eggs. The food allergies happen to be more common in the children under 18 years of age. And the most worrying part is that the children who have food allergies are more likely to have respiratory diseases such as asthma. All of this happens because our immune system usually defends us against possibly harmful substances like virus, bacteria and toxins, and the same thing happens with some people where it gets triggered by certain foods. And then this food intolerance occurs due to the substances released by the immune system that cause the symptoms of food allergies. Some common food allergies are from corn products, dairy products and grains that contain gluten. The foods that are known as allergens in children mostly are: • Eggsrn• Milkrn• Fishrn• Shellfishrn• Wheat • Peanutsrn• Soy Some might also be allergic to certain fresh fruits and vegetables which might contain substances like pollen. rnSymptoms: rnThe first reaction to food allergens usually occurs when you eat that particular food. And sometimes, exposure can occur without our knowledge, like when a food allergen is a small part of a larger meal which is mixed with many other foods. And the symptoms usually begin within minutes to two hours after eating such a food. Food allergy attacks the entire body and the symptoms are prominent in the digestive tract, respiratory system, cardiovascular areas and on the skin. Key Symptoms are: wheezing, a horse voice and hives.rnOther symptoms might be: • Difficulty in swallowingrn• Nausearn• Vomitingrn• Stomach crampsrn• Diarrhearn• Runny nosern• Shortness of breathrn• Dizzinessrn• Faintingrn• Swelling of face, tongue, lips and eyelidsrn• Nasal Congestionrn• Abdominal pain Diagnosis: When you observe an adverse reaction to a food, immediately see a doctor for evaluation. Though you may think that it is an allergic response, but only your doctor can determine. Children are more sensitive than us, so anything unusual should make you take them to the best health center as soon as possible. It is better to go to an allergy specialist. In the case of your children, your doctor will first take your detailed medical history and then he is going to perform a physical examination. If it would seem like a food allergy then tests, for instance the skin prick test or a blood test, will be conducted to detect allergen-specific antibodies which are going to help in identifying the possible allergenic foods. Still, these approaches alone cannot conclusively diagnose a food allergy. The Oral food challenge is the only definitive test which can bring about the exact result, but it is risky as it can result in a severe allergic reaction. It must only be performed by a healthcare professional who has the appropriate training and experience with treating the symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. Treatment: Once you and/or your child are diagnosed with a food allergy, you should go for the best possible treatment. Although, there is no ultimate cure for it as it is something decided by your immune system or runs in your family, yet the treatments can relieve symptoms and reduce the intensity of the allergy.rnThe only proven treatment for food allergy is to avoid the food responsible for it. And your health care professional can show you how to avoid similar foods that may also trigger the reaction. In the case of children where cow’s milk does not suit them, doctors might recommend you an alternative (e.g. Soy-based milk) to avoid allergic conditions. Antihistamines may relieve the uneasiness and soothing skin creams can also provide some relief. Other than that, whoever has been diagnosed with a food allergy should carry and know how to use injectable epinephrine at all times. This should be used even if you develop any type of serious or whole-body reaction (like hives) after eating the food. And you should be aware about all the nearest hospital or emergency facility which you can rush off right away. Food allergies if not treated timely, may lead to Anaphylaxis. This is the most severe allergic response and it is a life-threatening condition. This is a condition where the swelling in the throat prevents breathing and swallowing, while heart rate rises and blood pressure drops. Let me show you the infographic related to food allergies. rnhttps://centracare.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/adasd-01.jpg [Inforgraphic] Prevention: There are no drugs or treatments available that can prevent food allergies. The only way to prevent allergic reactions is to avoid allergenic foods. rnKeeping a child with food allergies safe is a challenging and stressful journey. Some kids may grow out of the allergies, but others might suffer from them for their entire life. Parents must search food labels for ingredients that can cause reactions in their child and tell others about their child’s allergy in order to prevent anything serious happen.