Food Allergies: Watch What You Are Eating

Eating is generally a pleasurable experience that is why people spend so much on food. But for some, eating could be a health hazard especially to those who are suffering from food allergies.

The allergen in the food that we eat is what causes an allergic reaction. These allergens are usually the protein content of food that has survived the heat of cooking and the digestive enzymes of the stomach. They survive and are able to enter the bloodstream. When this happens, allergic reactions break out in the body.

It is important to understand food allergy because although most of the time the allergic symptoms that occur are mild, there could also be instances wherein the symptoms could be fatal.

Food allergy symptoms usually occur a few minutes after being exposed to the food substance. There are also cases where allergic reactions take about an hour to break out. The most common initial symptoms of food allergy are the itching of the mouth and difficulty in swallowing and breathing. When the food has been digested, additional symptoms like nausea and vomiting can start. Anaphylaxis, which is a severe case of allergy symptom, can also occur. If the symptoms, especially anaphylaxis, are not treated right away, they could be deadly to the allergic person.

Adults and children alike suffer from food allergies, though the food that causes their allergic reactions differs. Shellfish, nuts from trees, and peanuts are the most common foods that cause allergic reactions in adults while eggs, milk, peanuts and fruits are the common allergic triggering foods in children. Children usually have the chance to outgrow their allergies while adults cannot.

There are ways to treat food allergies. Dietary avoidance and medications are advised to those who are suffering from food allergies. Avoidance of eating the food a person is allergic to is the best way. For example, if you are allergic to peanuts, avoid eating it and any dish that may contain it. This way, allergic reactions are prevented from breaking out. If in case an allergic person has accidentally eaten something he is allergic to, he should be prepared with the medicine that could counter act the reaction. For instance, if a person is prone to anaphylactic reactions, he should always carry a syringe of epinephrine and be prepared to administer it to himself.

Just remember, prevention is the best cure. Avoiding the allergen is the best way of saving yourself from allergies.