Food Allergy

Food Allergies

This is an increasingly prevalent issue that affects as many as 2% of adults and 8% of kids. You can create an allergy to foods that you’ve always eaten if your body starts to produce an antibody for allergy. Soy, wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, shellfish, other fish, or cow’s milk are the most prevalent food allergens.

Symptoms develop within a few minutes to a few hours after eating the trigger food. They include:

  • Shortness-of-breath
  • Wheezing
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Hives (swollen, itchy, red, bumps)
  • Swelling of the throat ,tongue, eyes, or lips

Approximately one out of three infants diagnosed with severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) may actually have certain food allergies exacerbating the rash.
In some people, food allergies can be severe, even fatal. This form of food allergy is called food-induced anaphylaxis. The symptoms of a dangerous reaction include rapidly dropping blood pressure, flushing, or sensation of warming, swelling of the tongue or throat, and wheezing. Anyone experiencing potential food-induced anaphylaxis symptoms should call 911 ASAP.

Most food allergies can be diagnosed quickly and comfortably with skin testing. However, a blood test or an oral ingestion challenge may also be needed.