What is Food allergy? Food allergy defined as the body’s abnormal response to food that triggers the body’s immune system. For adults, usually, peanuts or even seafood can cause an allergic reaction. For children, peanuts, eggs or even soy products can cause an allergy reaction. In extreme cases, food allergy can cause anaphylaxis which can be life-threatening. Cause: It is caused when the body’s immune system mistakes a food substance as a harmful substance and releases antibodies to neutralize the food substance. Diagnosis: Signs & symptoms: > Tingling or itchy feeling in the mouth > Appearance of hives or eczema or just feeling itchy > Swelling that can occur on the lips, face, tongue or other parts of the body > Difficulty in breathing > Pain in the abdominal region, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting > Dizziness or feeling faint > Anaphylaxis (in severe and extreme cases) Prevention: Know the food to be consumed, and plan meals so as to not accidentally consume something that can trigger the allergy reaction. In extreme cases, having emergency epinephrine may be useful to prevent anaphylaxis. Seafood allergy is caused when the body identifies a protein that comes from seafood as harmful and triggers a reaction to produce antibodies to neutralize the allergen. Cause: It is caused when the body’s immune system mistakes a protein from seafood as a harmful substance and releases antibodies to neutralize the allergen. Diagnosis: A physical exam, skin or blood test may be performed by the doctor to form a diagnosis for the patient. Signs & symptoms: > Tingling or itchy feeling in the mouth > Appearance of hives or eczema or just feeling itchy > Swelling that can occur on the lips, face, tongue or other parts of the body > Difficulty in breathing > Pain in the abdominal region, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting > Dizziness or feeling faint > Anaphylaxis (only in severe cases) Prevention: Be cautious when eating out, read the labels carefully and keep distance between yourself and the shellfish. If you have any above symptoms, please visit any allergy clinic for allergy test.
