A food allergy is a disorder that causes an abnormal immune reaction to particular foods. It is caused by your immune system incorrectly identifying certain proteins in food as dangerous. Your body responds by launching a series of preventive actions, including releasing substances such as histamine, which produces inflammation. For those with Silver Spring food allergies, even very small quantities of the problematic food might trigger allergic reactions.
Symptoms of food allergies
Depending on the kind of allergy, symptoms might appear anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours or even a few days following contact. Some symptoms include swelling of the tongue, lips, or face, trouble breathing, low blood pressure, vomiting, diarrhea, hives, and an itchy rash.
A food allergy can trigger anaphylaxis in extreme situations. Indicators include an itchy rash, swelling of the throat or tongue, shortness of breath, and low blood pressure, which can appear suddenly. Also, some cases are fatal.
Common types of food allergies
True food allergies might be divided into two primary types:
1. IgE (immunoglobulin E) mediated
In this kind of food allergy, your immune system produces IgE antibodies that respond to certain foods. Antibodies are blood proteins your immune system uses to identify and fight illness.
An IgE-mediated allergic response generally starts within a few hours of consuming the food allergen and can range from mild to severe, including anaphylaxis.
2. Non-IgE mediated
Your immune system does not generate IgE antibodies in a non-IgE food allergy. However, other aspects of the immune system are active in establishing a defense against the perceived threat.
A non-IgE-mediated allergic reaction often involves your skin or digestive symptoms or a combination of those indicators, such as vomiting and diarrhea, and can develop up to 3 days after consuming the food allergen.
Tests are done if you have a food allergy
It might be difficult to distinguish between food allergies and food intolerances. It is essential to consult a doctor if you feel you have a food allergy. The physician will most likely recommend a series of diagnostic tests to determine if you have an allergy or an intolerance. These include the following:
- Dietary review: This is a detailed review of foods consumed, such as timing and indicators.
- Skin prick testing: For this test, a small quantity of food is “pricked” into your skin utilizing a tiny needle. Your skin is then examined for a reaction.
- Blood tests: In certain cases, blood will be collected to determine the amount of IgE antibodies.
- Oral food challenges: For this test, the problem food is taken in steadily increasing volumes in a controlled setting under medical supervision.
Food allergies are quite common in the United States, and their occurrence is rising. They are most prevalent throughout infancy, and many children outgrow them before reaching maturity. Eggs, milk, and peanuts are children’s most frequent food allergies. Also, the symptoms might be modest to severe.
There is no traditional treatment for food allergies, but oral immunotherapy provides hope and allows you to address symptoms as they emerge. You can avoid allergic responses by avoiding products containing the allergen. Call the Allergy & Asthma Clinic of Maryland or book your meeting online to determine whether you have a food allergy and, if so, how to desensitize yourself.
