Causes Of Food Allergies

Causes Of Food Allergies

It is estimated that up to three percent of the population suffer from food allergies. Causes of food allergies are rooted in the immune system. Allergens are substances contained in the food which trigger an allergic response from the immune system. The immune system reacts to these allergens by launching an attack on the offending proteins in the allergenic foods. The immune system is an amazing configuration of molecules and cells which work hard to defend against foreign bodies and harmful invaders. When a threat is detected by the immune system, antibodies are produced which attack the threatening substance. The war between the antibodies and the offender is what causes the symptoms experienced by allergy sufferers.

Symptoms of food allergies may range from mild to potentially fatal. These symptoms include skin irritations such as hives, rashes or itching. Gastrointestinal discomfort may also be present. The most dangerous reaction is called anaphylaxis which is characterized by rapid onset, difficulty breathing, rash, swelling of the throat and a dramatic drop in blood pressure. If not treated immediately, this condition can be fatal. The most common treatment for anaphylaxis is an injection of adrenaline also called epinephrine. Individuals who know they have severe food allergies usually keep an epinephrine syringe handy in case they accidentally ingest an allergic substance.

There are eight foods recognized by the FDA as the most common offenders when it comes to food allergies. They are eggs, milk, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish, tree nuts and peanuts. It is important to understand the differences between tree nuts and peanuts, as well as fish and shellfish. Tree nuts include things like walnuts and almonds. Some people are allergic to peanuts but not tree nuts and vice versa. Shellfish includes clam, crab, oysters and lobster. Fish would include salmon, flounder, tuna and trout. Some people can eat fish without a problem yet are highly allergic to shellfish.

Some people think they have food allergies when actually they have food sensitivity or intolerance. If you experience a reaction to a certain food that is noticeable but not life threatening, write down all the details. What did you eat, when did you eat it, what kind of symptoms did you have and how soon after consumption did they occur. This information should be taken to a certified allergist who can evaluate you for food allergies. Of course, if you experience symptoms of anaphylaxis such as throat swelling, a sudden drop in blood pressure or difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately.

Technorati Tags: Symptoms Of Food Allergies, Causes of Food Allergies, Causes Of Food Allergies

• Food Allergies Shop US
• Food Allergies Shop UK
• Food Allergies Shop Australia




---

• Symptoms Of Food Allergies
• Baby Food Allergies
• Best Diet Food Allergies
• Camp For Kids With Food Allergies
• Causes Of Food Allergies
• Fda Definition Of Food Allergies
• Food Additives And Allergies
• Food Allergies And Anaphylaxis
• Food Allergies And Weight Gain
• Food Allergies Candy
• Food Allergies Snacks
• Food Allergies To Corn
• Free Recipes For Children With Food Allergies
• Headaches And Food Allergies
• Peanut Allergy In Children
• Silicone Wristbands For Food Allergies
• Testing For Food Allergies
• What To Do If You Have A Peanut Allergy
• Yellow Food Dye Allergies
• Zyrtec And Food Allergies



• Social Bookmark This Page
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• Privacy Policy
• Sitemap