If you have food allergies, you may have a variety of symptoms, some of which are minor and others of which are potentially fatal. Certain allergens are simple to see, but food allergies are frequently overlooked until they produce significant symptoms or you consult an allergist like Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group.
Continue reading to learn the basics of food allergies, including what causes them, where they come from, what symptoms they might cause, and how to treat them. Then call 805-658-9500 for food allergy testing and assistance from Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group.
A food allergy is a condition in which a person’s immune system misinterprets something that is normally innocuous as a threat. The immune system subsequently responds by producing histamine, which causes allergy symptoms.
Different forms of reaction can result in various types of food allergies. Oral allergy syndrome, for example, is caused by the body mistaking fruits and vegetables for pollen, but red meat allergies are caused by a response to alpha-galactose, a carbohydrate found in meat.
A minor allergy may just produce itchiness or tingling in the mouth or on the tongue. A swelling lip or tongue, rashes, and digestive difficulties such as vomiting and diarrhea are all possible more severe responses. Breathing problems, loss of consciousness, dizziness, and anaphylactic shock, which causes the airway to expand until the allergy sufferer can no longer breathe, are the most dangerous symptoms. Anaphylactic shock can also result in dangerously low blood pressure and a rapid heart rate.
Although technically any meal can induce an allergic response, some foods are more hazardous than others. Around 90% of food allergies are caused by one of the following:
It’s important to remember that you don’t have to consume a lot of the things you’re allergic to. A person who is allergic to peanuts, for example, may experience a response if they consume a chip manufactured at a plant that processes peanuts.
We can use a variety of ways to figure out what you’re allergic to. We’ll begin by discussing your symptoms and any meals to which you’ve had an adverse response. We can also utilize food allergy to establish exactly what you’re allergic to, or a blood test to detect levels of certain antibodies in situations of severe responses.
We can determine the best treatment strategy for you after we know what food allergies you have. At Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group, we tailor each patient’s treatment to their specific needs. Contact us at 805-658-9500 to learn more about your choices.