Food Allergies

Food allergies are an adverse immune reaction to a specific food protein that can cause a range of symptoms, from mild discomfort to life-threatening reactions.

What is a Food Allergy?

A food allergy occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless food protein as a threat and mounts an immune response against it. This can lead to the release of chemical mediators, such as histamine, which cause blood vessels to dilate, smooth muscle to contract, and mucous membranes to become inflamed.

Types of Food Allergies

The most common food allergies are:

• Peanut allergy: one of the most common and severe food allergies
• Tree nut allergy: similar to peanut allergy, but caused by tree nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and cashews
• Milk allergy: most commonly caused by an immune reaction to cow's milk protein
• Egg allergy: caused by an immune reaction to egg protein
• Wheat allergy: caused by an immune reaction to wheat protein
• Soy allergy: caused by an immune reaction to soy protein
• Fish and shellfish allergy: caused by an immune reaction to fish and shellfish protein

Symptoms of Food Allergies

The symptoms of food allergies can range from mild to severe and may include:

• Hives or itchy skin: raised, red, and itchy patches on the skin
• Swelling: of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Stomach cramps: abdominal pain and discomfort
• Diarrhea: loose, watery stools
• Vomiting: forceful expulsion of stomach contents
• Shortness of breath: difficulty breathing or feeling like you're choking
• Anaphylaxis: a life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention

Treatments for Food Allergies

The primary treatment for food allergies is:

• Avoidance: avoiding the specific food that causes the allergy
• Medications: such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, and epinephrine (e.g., EpiPen) to relieve symptoms and prevent anaphylaxis
• Immunotherapy: a long-term treatment that aims to desensitize the body to the specific food allergen

Emergency Treatment for Anaphylaxis

If you or someone you know is experiencing anaphylaxis, call emergency services immediately and:

• Administer epinephrine: using an EpiPen or other auto-injector
• Call for emergency medical help
• Provide basic life support: such as CPR if necessary

Prevention and Management

To prevent and manage food allergies:

• Read food labels carefully: to identify potential allergens
• Avoid cross-contamination: with other foods that may contain the allergen
• Cook and prepare food safely: to prevent accidental exposure to the allergen
• Develop an emergency plan: in case of an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis