Food Allergy

What is a Food Allergy?

The immune system is the body's way to protect itself from substances that it identifies as not its own. The immune system reacts to things that may cause disease, and fights them off. A food allergy happens when your immune system responds after you eat certain foods. Your body makes a mistake and thinks that a certain food is harmful. These foods may not bother other people.

What foods may cause food allergies?

• Any food may cause you to have an allergy, but some foods are more likely to cause allergy than others. Peanuts are a common cause of food allergies. You may also be allergic to other nuts such as walnuts or pecans. Cow's milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, or shellfish may also cause food allergies.
  
  
• Your chances of having a food allergy may be greater if other people in your family have food allergies. Food allergies are more common in children than adults.

What are the signs and symptoms of food allergies?

Signs and symptoms of a food allergy may take a few minutes or hours to appear.

• Swelling and itching of the mouth and throat.
  
  
• Abdominal (belly) pain or cramping.
  
  
• Full feeling in your abdomen and gas.
  
  
• Diarrhea (loose stools).
  
  
• Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting (throwing up).
  
  
• Skin rash with hives (red, raised areas of skin) and itching.
  
  
• Coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing.
  
  
• Food allergies can be life threatening. If you have a severe food allergy, you may have a very dangerous reaction called anaphylaxis (an-ah-fi-LAK-sis). You may first feel warm and flushed, have a tingling feeling in your mouth or a red, itchy rash. You may feel lightheaded, have difficulty breathing, have wheezing, feel a tightness in your throat, and have a very fast heartbeat. These symptoms usually appear within a few minutes to two hours of eating a food. If this happens, call 911 or O (operator) for medical help. Do not try to drive yourself to a hospital.

How is food allergy diagnosed?

Your caregiver may do the following to see which foods are causing your allergies:

• Food Diary: You may need to keep a diary of the foods you have eaten, and any symptoms that followed. Keep this diary especially if you are not sure what food caused the reaction.
  
  
• Intradermal/Skin Scratch: Caregivers mix small amounts of a food with a liquid. They inject the liquid into your arm with a tiny needle. Caregivers will then watch for allergy symptoms.
  
  
• Blood Tests: You may need blood taken for tests. The blood can be taken from a vein in your hand, arm, or the bend in your elbow. The blood is tested to see how your body is reacting to certain foods.
  
  
• Elimination and Challenge: Caregivers may tell you to stop eating certain foods for a certain amount of time. Then, these foods will be added back into your diet and you will be watched for an allergic reaction.

What may be done to treat food allergies?

Your caregiver may want you to try the following treatments to treat your food allergies:

• Elimination: Avoid eating the foods that cause your allergies.
  
  
  • Learn how to read food labels. You will need to read food labels to make sure the food that you are allergic to is not hidden in other foods. Some foods that you are allergic to may be listed under different names. Ask your caregiver for more information about reading food labels.
    
    
  • Ask about ingredients when eating out. Always ask about the ingredients that are used to prepare foods made in restaurants or at another person's home.
  
  
• Antihistamines: This medicine decreases itching and rash caused by food allergies. This medicine may cause drowsiness.
  
  
• Coping with itchy skin:
  
  
  • Put cold compresses to the skin, or take a cool bath or oatmeal bath.
    
    
  • Wear loose fitting clothes, and avoid tight underwear.
    
    
  • Do not take hot baths or showers.
  
  
• If you have a severe food allergy:
  
  
  • An adult should stay with you for 24 hours (1 day) following a severe reaction, in case the symptoms return.
    
    
  • Your caregiver may teach you and your family when and how to give adrenaline shots. Adrenaline is a medicine to help treat the life-threatening symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as throat swelling. This medicine can be found in an anaphylaxis kit. If you have a severe allergy, always carry an anaphylaxis kit with you.
    
    
  • Wear a medical alert necklace or bracelet that says exactly what your food allergy is. You may order one from the following organization: MedicAlert Foundation

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

Copyright © 2011. Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes link.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.