Food allergy is an abnormal reaction of the body to food, caused by the body’s immune system. It is a fairly common phenomenon. Here are some things to know about food allergies.
Causes of food allergy
Food allergies happen because the body is too sensitive to the quality of food that it produces antibodies with the neutralizing role and against foreign agents. In the process it releases histamine and other substances that cause allergic reactions. However, the process of recognizing the unwanted substance are different among people. So different people may be allergic to different agents, which are common causes of foodborne.
Many people mistakenly believe allergies only occur when foods are rare. But the fact is that ordinary foods can become allergenic agents. Allergies to foods most linked to the protein in cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, sesame, soy, wheat, hard nuts, seafood, etc. In addition, colorants, preservatives, substances additives during processing may also be factors that cause allergies. Food allergies can be mild and transient. But they may also constitute a serious medical condition, even life threatening one.
The adverse reactions of the body to food, including disorders are mediated by antibodies, the immunoglobulin IgE. IgE may occur while eating or immediately after using food allergens. In case the IgE antibody immunoglobulin plays no role mediation, these reactions usually appear within 1 hour after exposure to food allergens.
Symptoms of food allergy
Symptomatic manifestations of food allergy can be one or more of the following things.
- Skin rash, accompanying with pruritus
- Itchy nose and eyes
- Sneezing and runny nose
- Itching and swelling around the lips and mouth, especially when in direct contact with food,
- Nausea
- Cramping type of pain
- Vomiting and diarrhea
Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is the most severe manifestation of food allergies and can lead to death. The risk factors of anaphylaxis include patients with asthma, especially in patients with asthma but not well controlled.
It is very dangerous if the early symptoms of anaphylaxis are not detected. Because lateness in using or not using medications to treat an emergency food allergy cases also cause severe consequences.
If your body has these reactions, stop eating any foods that you suspect they can cause allergies. Moreover, you should consider taking antihistamines. Regardless of whether you have a severe reaction or not, you should also seek medical care to determine the causes and treatments.
Several factors increase the risk of food allergies:
- Congenital hereditary
- Age: Food allergies are most common in young children
- Asthma
To prevent and reduce the risk of food allergies, people need to be knowledgeable about food allergies and manifestations of food allergy. Try to avoid using the food that you are allergic to. You should also avoid contact with skin or inhale them. It is advisable to remember the common clinical manifestations of food allergy on the skin, the digestive system and respiratory system. When food allergic reaction occurs severely, require immediate medical facility to be diagnosed and treated promptly.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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