A food allergy is an abnormal immune response to food. The immune system mistakenly identifies a food protein as harmful and produces antibodies to fight it. When the person eats the food again, the antibodies bind to the food protein and release histamine, a chemical that causes allergic symptoms.
Food allergies can range in severity from mild to severe. Mild symptoms may include hives, itching, and swelling of the tongue or lips. More severe symptoms may include difficulty breathing, wheezing, and anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction.
Food allergens are substances in food that can trigger an allergic reaction. The eight most common food allergens are:
Milk
Eggs
Fish
Shellfish
Tree nuts
Peanuts
Wheat
Soy
These foods are responsible for over 90% of all food allergies.
Food allergy symptoms can vary from person to person and can range in severity from mild to severe. Some people may only experience mild symptoms, such as hives or itching, while others may experience more severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis.
The most common food allergy symptoms include:
Skin reactions: hives, itching, eczema, swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat
Digestive problems: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
Respiratory problems: wheezing, difficulty breathing, coughing, tightness in the chest
Anaphylaxis: a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening
To avoid unnecessary dietary restrictions and ensure proper management, it is crucial to accurately diagnose food allergies. This typically involves the following steps:
Medical history
Physical examination
Skin prick test
Food allergy blood test
Elimination diet
Oral food challenge
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