overview
A food allergy is an immune system reaction that occurs shortly after consuming a particular food. Even a tiny amount of food that causes allergies can trigger signs and symptoms such as digestive problems, hives, or swollen airways. In some people, a food allergy can cause severe symptoms or even a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.Food allergy Treatment Hyderabad
- Food allergies affect around 6 to 8 percent of children under 3 years of age and up to 3 percent of adults. Although there is no cure, some children overcome their food allergies as they age.
- It’s easy to confuse a food allergy with a much more common reaction known as a food intolerance. Although problematic, food intolerance is a less serious condition that does not involve the immune system.
symptom
For some people, an allergic reaction to a particular food can be uncomfortable, but not serious. For other people, a food allergic reaction can be frightening and even fatal. Food allergy symptoms usually appear between a few minutes and two hours after consuming the offending food.
The most common signs and symptoms of food allergies are:
- Tingling or itching in the mouth
- Hives, itching, or eczema
- Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat or other parts of the body
- Wheezing, nasal congestion, or difficulty breathing
- Stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
The reasons
When you have a food allergy, your immune system mistakenly identifies a particular food or substance in food as something harmful. In response, your immune system triggers the cells to release an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE) to neutralize the food or food substance causing the allergy (allergen).Food allergy Treatment Hyderabad
- The next time you eat even the smallest amount of this food, the IgE antibodies will recognize it and signal your immune system to release a chemical called histamine into your bloodstream along with other chemicals. These chemicals cause allergy symptoms.
- In adults, the majority of food allergies are caused by certain proteins in:
Shellfish such as prawns, lobsters, and crabs
peanuts
Nuts like walnuts and pecans
fish
Risk factors
Risk factors for food allergies include:Food allergy Treatment Hyderabad
- Family history. You are at an increased risk of food allergies if asthma, eczema, hives, or allergies such as hay fever are common in your family.
- Other allergies. If you are already allergic to one food, you may be at an increased risk of becoming allergic to another. If you have other types of allergic reactions, such as hay fever or eczema, your risk of developing a food allergy is also higher.
- Age. Food allergies are more common in children, especially toddlers and infants. As you age, your digestive system matures and your body is less likely to ingest the foods or food components that cause allergies.
Fortunately, children usually overcome allergies to milk, soy, wheat, and eggs. Severe allergies and allergies to tree nuts and shellfish are more likely to last a lifetime.
prevention
Know what to eat and drink. Read the food labels carefully.
If you have had a serious reaction in the past, in case you have a reaction and are unable to communicate, wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace to let others know that you have a food allergy.
Talk to your doctor about prescribing adrenaline in an emergency. You may need to use an adrenaline auto-injector (Adrenaclick, EpiPen) if there is a risk of a serious allergic reaction.
Be careful in restaurants. Make sure your waiter or chef knows that you absolutely cannot eat the foods you are allergic to and that you need to be absolutely sure that the meal you ordered does not contain them. Also, make sure that foods are not cooked on surfaces or in pans that contain foods that you are allergic to.
- Don’t hesitate to let us know your needs. The restaurant staff will be happy to assist you if they clearly understand your request.
- Schedule meals and passes.Food allergy Treatment Hyderabad