Looking more closely, food allergens (the ones that causes allergic reactions) are proteins that unfortunately withstood the high temperatures of cooking as well as the acidic substances and enzymes of the gastrointestinal system. These allergens consequently live on to pass through the linings of the gastrointestinal tract, disperse into the blood circulatory system, and travel to organs of target, which results to different allergic symptoms all over the body.
Food allergy symptoms are commonly noted as irritation of the skin which may involve hives, eczema, and a simple rash. Other symptoms may also include irritations in the gastrointestinal organs like vomiting, indigestion, diarrhea, stomach aches, and nausea. Through the years, there have been numerous documented allergic reactions seen in a lot of people, the following is additional information about other allergic symptoms that even you have experienced but have failed to take notice:
- insomniac tendencies or sleeping difficulties - moodiness - fatigue - heartburn - constipation - symptoms that resemble arthritis - canker sores - nocturnal enuresis or bed wetting - inflammation of the face and lips - rhinitis - migraine - wheezing
Furthermore, allergic reactions to a specific kind of food can also generate a specific symptom. Therefore there are symptoms that can pinpoint to a certain type of food allergy which can then be quite useful in figuring out what medications to administer and the formulation of a management plan. In other words, it is possible to determine the source of the allergy by evaluating the symptoms.
Simple headaches are usually symptoms of an allergic reaction to chocolates and wheat. Migraines, on the other hand, are typically caused by an allergy to cheese, nuts, citrus fruits, tomatoes, milk, eggs, and MSG or monosodium glutamate. Monosodium glutamate is a chemical used for seasonings in a lot of foods but only those which have excessive amounts can cause allergic reactions.
Eczema or atopic dermatitis, which is a swelling and drying of the skin, can be seen in allergies to citrus fruits, eggs, and tomatoes. Hives or urticaria is also a form of skin irritation which is represented by elevated skin welts that are reddish. Hives can be very itchy, this allergic reaction is common among tomatoes, eggs, shellfish, mangoes, pork meat, nuts, and strawberries.
Asthma is commonly seen in wheat and egg allergies.
There are also allergy manifestations that affect the physical energy, consciousness, and emotions of a person. These reactions can be regularly seen in allergies to wheat, soybeans, corn, and milk.
As you may have observed, many types of foods share the same symptoms most of the time. A careful assessment and physical evaluation is needed to at least determine the source of the allergy. It is not only in the symptoms that medical professionals can determine what the source of allergy is but also through blood tests, diet eliminations, and food challenges. Careful assessment of daily food intake by the patient can be of great help in pinpointing the culprit and as well as a comprehensive analysis of the symptoms observed.
Furthermore, a consultation with a reputable allergist who will be part of the medical team can assist you in fighting your allergy that may have caused you great discomfort in your daily life.
For some people, an allergic reaction to certain kinds of food can be quite uncomfortable, but not necessarily severe. On the other hand, for certain people, the allergic reaction to a certain type of food can be frightening, and in some instances, life threatening. Symptoms and signs of the food allergy generally develop within the hour or even just a few minutes after consuming the offending food.
The most general symptoms and signs of a food allergy include:
- Itching, eczema or hives - Tingling or irritation in mouth - Swelling of face, tongue, throat, lips or any other part of the body - Nasal congestion, wheezing or even trouble breathing - Diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting or nausea - Lightheadedness, fainting or dizziness - Abdominal cramps
The symptoms of a food allergic reaction depend on the kind of food that you have consumed. A serious food allergic reaction is known as anaphylaxis, and include extreme symptoms and signs, some of which are life threatening. They are:
- Shock, with a serious drop in blood pressure - Rapid pulse - Lightheadedness, dizziness or a loss of awareness or consciousness - Constriction of the airways, which includes an inflated throat or even a lump in the throat, which makes it difficult to breathe.
Causes of food allergy
In a true food allergy, the immune system erroneously identifies a certain food component as an injurious substance. The immune system of the body triggers certain cells of the body to make E (IgE) immunoglobulin antibodies in order to fight food components or the culprit food (the allergen). The next time that you intake even the tiniest quantity of that food, the immunoglobulin (IgE) antibodies easily sense it and alerts your immune system to discharge histamine and various other chemicals into your blood stream. The released chemicals in the immune system can cause a multitude of allergic symptoms and signs. Nevertheless, histamine is to a certain extent responsible for the majority of the food allergic responses including itchy eyes, dripping nose, rashes, dry throat, nausea, labored breathing, hives and anaphylactic shocks.
The large numbers of food allergies are mainly triggered via specific proteins in:
- Peanuts - Eggs - Shellfish like crab, lobster and shrimp - Fish - Nuts like pecans and walnuts
On the other hand, in children certain proteins in the food generally trigger the allergy:
- Wheat - Cow's milk - Soybeans
General non-allergic associated problems include:
- Absence of the enzymes required to digest the food properly: you might not have the sufficient quantities of the particular enzymes that are required to digest certain foods. Inadequate amounts of the enzyme lactase, for example, makes it difficult to digest lactose, the prime sugar in milk products. The lactose food reaction can cause cramping, bloating, excess gas and diarrhea.
- Petulant bowel syndrome: Some foods can trigger symptoms and signs of the petulant bowel system. You might observe that some foods can cause constipation, cramping or diarrhea. Avoid the foods to keep the symptoms away.
- Food poisoning: Sometimes, the food poisoning can mimic the allergic reaction. Some kinds of rhubarb and mushrooms, for example, can be toxic. Bacteria present in tuna and various other kinds of fish can also produce a toxin, which triggers severe reactions.
- Psychological factors or recurring stress: Sometimes the simple thought of a certain food can make you allergic or sick.
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