FOOD ALLERGIES

Food Allergies



Food Allergies

Introduction

Definition

The term “Food Allergies” signifies a cluster of signs and symptoms accompanied by the immune system reactions on identifying an allergen as an antigen in the body. Food allergy is triggered by the production of IgE, an antibody against the potential pathogen. The formed antibody causes the release of Histamine, a chemical released from Mast Cells starting a series of adverse effects in the body.

Discussion

Signs and Symptoms

Abdominal

Pain is mostly felt which generally surrounds the whole elementary region. Discomfort, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea due to digestive upset or in severe cases bloody stools can be experienced. The allergens are proteins in nature and are very resistant to cooking, processing of food, gastric acid in the stomach and intestinal digestive juices.

Respiratory

Allergens affect the pulmonary system either the upper airways for example, the symptoms will be of Rhinitis and sneezing, and in the lower airways like wheezing, cough and Dyspnea (difficulty in breathing) due to swelling and inflammation. Pain on swallowing and speaking due to edema of throat and asthmatic like signs can be observed.

Dermatological

These are one of the earliest symptoms to occur. Generalized flushing of skin, hives, rashes, and itchy skin can be bothersome.

Incidence

It affects mostly children and young adults, with estimated 6 to 8% children under age 5 and about 3 to 4% of grown ups. Since, there is no cure for food allergies, but mostly children outgrow of their allergy as they age. People having intolerance or allergy to one or more food products comprises about 20 to 30 percent in UK.

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Causative Food Items

The food ingredients responsible for causing immune reactions are; Dry fruits, Sea foods, Milk, Eggs, Soya, Wheat and various dairy products.

Anaphylaxis

It is a life threatening allergic reaction it occurs for unknown reasons; all body systems are targeted by the releasing immunoglobulin. This causes the excessive release of histamine and other pro-inflammatory substances. Vicious circles of antibody discharge occur as they attack every suspected cell in the body. If not treated immediately, anaphylaxis can be fatal.

Food Intolerance

Food intolerance is the adverse responses of the body to the ingested food. These reactions are mild in nature and occur due to digestive enzyme deficiency required to break down food molecule. Allergy to peanuts, hereditary fructose malabsorption, caffeine sensitivity and lactose intolerance, are the main types of allergies. Food intolerances are strictly familial or inherited. Nausea, bloating, abdominal pain, irritable bowel, joint pain and diarrhea are mostly the symptoms of food intolerance.

Lactose Intolerance

Lactose intolerance is the condition of non-Caucasians (70 to 90 percent of cases), present with complains of bloating, diarrhea and stomach upset when milk and milk products are ingested. Milk contains a sugar called lactose which is digested by an enzyme known as lactase. These individuals lack lactase without this enzyme they can not break down milk sugar into simpler forms that can be absorbed into the bloodstream, causing the adverse effects. Avoidance from consuming lactose containing food makes conditions better.

Celiac Disease or Irritable Bowl Syndrome

It is an autoimmune disorder of the small intestine ...