Symptoms And Signs Of Food Allergies

Millions of people suffer from some form of food allergies. Many others may suffer from food intolerance, but this is different. In children, some of the most common foods that cause reactive symptoms include cows milk proteins, egg whites, wheat, peanuts, codfish, beans, and soy. Most food allergies with adults are caused by Brazil nuts, almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, and walnuts. There are also many people who are allergic to crab and shellfish, prawn, squid, mussels, and other types of fish.

Localized oral food allergies can occur in adults in association with silver birch tree pollen. When a localized oral food allergy occurs, people can get an itchy mouth and throat from eating things like certain fresh fruits like peaches, cherries, and apples, and also from raw vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and also from nuts. The reaction is not usually life threatening, and doesnt usually involve the entire body and usually remains as only affecting the mouth.

Usually, food allergies present themselves within a few minutes of eating an offending food. The most common symptoms include a rash, diarrhea, swelling of the lips and face, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, someone with food allergies can go into anaphylactic shock. Delayed reactions to foods with food allergies can also occur, such as aggravated eczema and Celiac disease. Celiac disease is a delayed immune reaction to the gluten part of wheat.

Unlike food allergies, food intolerance reactions are slower, do not involve the immune system, and are not usually life threatening. They are often referred to as pseudo allergic reactions. Lactose intolerance, for example, is not one of the food allergies, but is an inability to digest the cows milk sugar lactose. Lactose intolerance, unlike food allergies, does not cause rashes, hives, or lethargy.

A problem that is becoming more common today is that people are having reactions to the preservatives and additives in food, and these reactions may look like food allergies. Some of the additives that are known to cause reactions include sulphites, salicylate, MSG, caffeine, and tartrazine. These reactions are usually dose related, unlike true food allergies, in which a tiny amount can trigger life threatening reactions for some people. When something is dose related, it basically means that the more they are exposed to something, the worse their reaction is. It is important to remember that when trying to decide if someone has true food allergies or food intolerances, food allergies involve the immune system, and food intolerance reactions do not. If someone shows signs of a severe reaction to food such as difficulty breathing, severe swelling, or dizziness, emergency treatment is required.