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Top FAQs regarding Food Allergies

When it comes to food allergies, there are no black and white rules to follow simply because no one has the exact same type of allergy. Therefore, a lot of questions are likely on the subject. Listed below are the top frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding food allergies:

1. What is a food allergy? A food allergy is caused by an immunological response to something you have eaten that the body believes to be hazardous. In turn, the body will produce antibodies specific to combating that particular harmful food agent releasing histamines and other substances. The result is a physical manifestation such symptoms displayed on the skin, respiratory system, cardiovascular system and even the digestive system.

2. What are the typical symptoms and signs of a food allergy reaction? Mild symptoms may include a rash, minor mouth irritation, itchy eyes and diarrhea. Other symptoms that can also occur are more bothersome and at turns, very serious such as tongue and throat swelling, breathing difficulty, nausea and vomiting, blood pressure dropping and even unconsciousness. Some symptoms are almost instantaneous while others develop over the course of several hours.

3. Does a cure exist for any type of food allergy? The answer to this question is an unfortunate no. Avoiding that trigger food altogether is the best way to prevent a reaction although there are medications that can alleviate symptoms. Luckily for many children with food allergies, they eventually grow out of them as their body and immune response matures.

4. How do you treat a food allergy itself? As mentioned above, avoiding the foods that trigger allergic reactions is the best treatment. You need to become well-versed in reading food labels and recognizing the many terms related to those food triggers. You will have to become adept at questioning the restaurants in which you dine to ensure no contamination occurs when it comes to your food allergies.

5. Can you treat the symptoms of the food allergy for relief? The answer to this one is yes. For rashes and hives, there are over the counter as well as prescription creams that can alleviate the itching and swelling of the skin. Anti-histamine medications work well for minor swelling of the respiratory system as well as your mouth and tongue. For the severest food allergies where the minutest exposure is life threatening, epinephrine (a type of adrenaline) may be necessary. It is often prescribed by doctors and is something that you should always carry around, usually in a syringe or pen form.

6. Should I nix the foods I believe are causing the problem? This is a trick question somewhat. Your best bet would be to keep a food diary logging everything you consume (including liquids and spices you use) and present your findings and best guess for possible food culprits to your doctor. This will give them a launching point to start testing you for food hypersensitivities.

7. Are food intolerance and food allergies the same thing? The answer is no. Food intolerances occur because your body lacks a certain enzyme for digestion and the result is gas, indigestion, stomach pain and more. However, a food allergy triggers your immune response thus causing physical problems and potential life-threatening situations. With food intolerance, once the food leaves your system, you are fine.