What Are Food Allergies

Have you ever eaten a food that made you feel real sick, or worse had to go to the hospital because your body reacted severely to eating some peanuts? These could be caused by food allergies. Food allergies are caused by the body responding immunological to proteins found in food. Sometimes this is a minor reaction, but in the cases of anaphylaxis it can result in death.Everyone can respond differently to food allergies. Even one's bodily systems can respond differently. A person can experience cramps, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. Since these symptoms are similar to other problems it is very important to be diagnosed correctly so that you receive the proper treatment.In the respiratory system, food allergies could manifest as runny nose, scratchy throat, coughing, sneezing, or wheezing. Severe reactions may be seen as shortness of breath or difficulty swallowing. If you experience the more severe reactions it is recommended you seek medical attention immediately.Food allergies can manifest in the skin as well. Itching in the membranes of the eyes, skin, mouth and throat can occur. In addition, eczema and hives could be the body's response. Severe reactions such as swelling of the tongue, throat, lips or face should be treated immediately as they could lead to airway restriction.Even though the connection between mood swings and depression and food allergies is not always easily recognizable, food allergy symptoms may affect your nervous system.Most food allergies are classified as a Immunoglobulin E (IgE) response. This means that antibodies are produced in the body that attack non-disease causing substances which in the case of food allergies is the proteins found in certain foods. Many folks are predisposed to this type of immune response. When the food passes into the digestive tract the body releases IgE which also causes other chemicals such as histamines to be released. This causes swelling and

in the case of the digestive tract this will appear as an upset stomach.An allergist usually does the diagnosis. He will review your history of reactions and could employ a battery of standard tests such as the skin prick and blood tests.The skin prick test introduces a small amount of the allergy causing substance into the skin. The allergist then looks for a reaction. For the blood test the level of IgE antibodies is measured. Certain levels are generally considered normal and higher levels may indicate that a person is having an allergic reaction.So what can be done? There is no cure for food allergies. Avoidance is what is recommended. There are many labels on foods and in restaurants that state that there are certain kinds of potential food allergens either in the food or around the food. If a person has severe reactions they may be prescribed an Epipen which administers epinephrine which can halt the allergic reaction.