Are You Aware of the Most Common Symptoms of Food Allergies?

Millions of Americans have adverse reactions after eating certain foods. Known as a food allergy, this is the result of a person’s immune system fighting what they believe is a threat. Instead of a threat, it is a harmless food protein that offers no danger to the individual except the danger the immune system creates.

Many people have what are known as food intolerances, but this is not the same thing – and not as serious – as a food allergy. A food intolerance simply means that eating a certain food or type of food causes their stomach to feel upset, or they have a minor rash on their skin. On the other hand, food allergies can cause anaphylaxis, which is a serious condition that comes on very fast and, in the worst-case scenario, could cause death.

Keeping an eye out for food allergies

If you have a real concern that you are allergic to a specific food then we highly recommend you get food allergy testing done as soon as possible. These allergies can get worse as time goes on and you do not want to risk a seriously and potentially life or death reaction. In the meantime, it is a good idea to know what the symptoms are.

In many cases, the symptoms of a food allergy will happen within a few minutes of eating the food in question, but in other instances it can take as long as two hours. Everyone experiences their allergy differently but some of the symptoms that may be experienced include:

• Swollen face and lips
• Dizziness
• Hives all over the body
• Loss of consciousness
• Itching or swelling in the throat
• Coughing
• Vomiting
• Anxiety
• Nausea
• Wheezing
• Sneezing
• Stomach cramps
• Fainting
• A significant drop in blood pressure

Note that a person could experience all of these symptoms, just a few, or different symptoms entirely. Only an allergist can give you a definite answer about whether or not you are allergic. Contact Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group at 805-658-9500 to find out for sure.

There are risk factors for food allergies

Food allergies have been studied a lot more in the last few decades than they were presently. Today researchers believe they have found some risk factors. For example, a child in a family that has a history of food allergies is more susceptible. A person with asthma is more likely to have a food allergy. Even a person with hay fever can have an increased chance of a food allergy. It is more common for an infant or toddler to have a food allergy compared to an older adult. Finally, today there are studies being done that seem to show a link between eczema and food allergies.

We can test you for food allergies

Food allergies are very serious and they should be treated as such. If you have reason to believe that you may have a food allergy, at in a high risk population, or simply want the peace of mind of knowing if you have food allergies, contact Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group at 805-658-9500 to make an appointment.