What Is A Food Allergy? Defining Food Allergy
What is a food allergy?
Food allergy is an abnormal immune response to certain foods, triggering symptoms like itching, hives, swelling, and even life-threatening reactions.
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What is a food allergy?
A food allergy is when your immune system reacts to certain foods, causing symptoms like itching, hives, swelling, or even difficulty breathing.
Which foods commonly cause allergies?
Common food allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish. However, any food can potentially trigger an allergic reaction.
What are the symptoms of a food allergy?
Symptoms can vary but may include skin rash, itching, hives, swelling, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.
How are food allergies diagnosed?
A doctor may ask about your symptoms, conduct a physical exam, and recommend allergy tests like skin prick tests or blood tests to identify specific food allergies.
What should someone with a food allergy do?
If you have a food allergy, it's crucial to avoid the allergenic food. Read labels carefully, inform others about your allergy, carry an epinephrine auto-injector if necessary, and seek immediate medical help if an allergic reaction occurs.
Can food allergies develop later in life?
Yes, it is possible for food allergies to develop at any age. You may tolerate a food for years and then suddenly develop an allergic reaction to it.
What is the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance?
A food allergy involves an immune system response, while a food intolerance does not. Food intolerances often result in digestive symptoms like bloating or diarrhea, whereas food allergies can cause a range of symptoms, including life-threatening reactions.
Are food allergies hereditary?
There is a genetic component to food allergies, meaning they can run in families. If one or both parents have allergies, their children may be at a higher risk of developing them.
Can food allergies be cured?
Currently, there is no cure for food allergies. However, some children may outgrow their allergies as they get older. It's essential to work with a healthcare professional to manage and monitor food allergies.
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