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5 Things You Must Know About Food Allergies

1. Only certain food types cause particular people to have an allergic reaction, and allergic reactions only occur when these food types enter the body . These foods can enter through the mouth by eating, when inhaling or smell foods containing substances one is allergic to and through the skin pores through contact either by touch or holding the food. Once the allergy causing food substance gets into the body, the body's immune system releases antibodies to fight the substances which it sees as dangerous intruders. The allergic reaction is triggered when the body in a way over reacts to the intrusion to the extent of the antibodies released become harmful to the body itself causing a reaction which can take many forms including vomiting, dizziness and swelling of the tongue.

2. Currently eight food types have been identified as the major causes of food allergies globally. These are soybeans, eggs, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and crustacean shellfish. These alone account for about 90% of food allergies and many ingredients are derived from this broad group. However, these are not the only causes of food allergies as over 160 other foods have been know to cause allergies, these are however the most common. There isn't any medically known reason why people react to certain foods so in theory anyone can react to any food type if the unknown conditions are right.

3. Allergies to nuts are by far the most serious form of food allergies with the highest risk of being fatal if not quickly treated. A large number of allergy cases are an allergy to nuts and the number is only rising. Number as high as 1 out of every 200 children in the UK and 1 in every 100,000 in Britain. No one is entirely sure as to why the number are rising but the common theory is the complexity of our food with is a combination of different food sources, including the allergy triggering ones like nuts.

4. When you do eat a meal that causes a reactions the symptoms usually occur within minutes to about two hours depending on the severity of the allergy and the type of food absorption, whether by eating, being inhaled or through the skin pores. The many symptoms include dizziness, lightheartedness, coughing, difficulty in breathing rash or flushed skin, abdominal cramps and lip swelling. It is important to note that everybody reacts differently and should pay attention to early warning signs to avoid emergency cases.

5. Of all the 5 things you must know about food allergies the most important thing to remember is to keep and if possible carry pre-loaded adrenaline injection kits or auto-injectible epinephrine for when symptoms and reactions are severe to the point of being life treating. The most severe one being anaphylaxis, which is known as a full body allergic reaction which results in the air ways tightening and make breathing very difficult. It is highly advised that the injection be given immediately, after which an emergency number should be dialed. If after a few minutes the condition doesn't stabilize a second injection is advised. Once the condition is stabilized the person is to be rushed to an emergency room for further treatment.