Food Allergy

General Information on Food Allergy

A food allergy is an immune system reaction to the presence of certain foods in the body. There is a difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance. Many people, for example, have sensitivities to certain foods, such as lactose, and are under the false impression that their food intolerance is an allergy. However, food intolerance is caused by digestive upset and is rarely a serious condition. Food allergies, on the other hand, can be extremely serious because they invoke an immunological response when the allergen has been ingested. Because symptoms can overlap in food intolerances and allergies, it is important to receive a diagnosis from your doctor.

Symptoms of Food Allergy

Symptoms of food allergies may include:

Diarrhea
Stomach pains
Nausea and Vomiting
Skin hives
Rash (eczema)
Itching
Swelling and redness of the face, lips and extremities
Cough
Wheezing
Sneezing
Runny nose

Infants may have blood in their stool

Treatments For Food Allergy

Diagnosis will include an observation of your symptoms, a physical examination, and a series of allergen skin and blood tests, a food challenge tests, or an elimination diet procedure. Once you have obtained an accurate diagnosis of the trigger food responsible for your allergic reaction, the only treatment is to avoid the foods involved. In some severe cases, such as peanut allergy, accidental ingestion may require immediate emergency assistance. If you are experiencing symptoms similar to those listed above, contact your doctor for further diagnosis.

Personal Experience

Food Allergy - personal experiences