Nutrition

The Complete Guide to Food Allergies

Food allergies are becoming more and more common these days. They happen when our body’s defence system, known as the immune system, overreacts to certain foods, thinking that they are harmful. This can lead to a wide range of symptoms, some of which can be very serious. 

In this article, we will talk about food allergies, their symptoms, how they are different from food intolerances, the various types of food allergies, how to test for them, and the treatment options available.

What is a Food Allergy?

A food allergy is an immune system response to certain foods that our body mistakenly thinks are harmful. This reaction can happen within seconds or up to a few hours after consuming the food. 

The immune system creates antibodies to fight against the food, which triggers the release of histamine and other chemicals in the body (1). This can cause a range of symptoms that can vary from person to person.

Increasing Prevalence and Need for Action

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 32 million people in the United States have food allergies, which equates to roughly 1 in 10 adults and 1 in 13 children.

The prevalence of food allergies appears to be increasing, with a study published in JAMA Pediatrics in 2019 reporting that the prevalence of food allergies in children increased by 5.1% between 2009 and 2018 (2). Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in 2020 found that the prevalence of peanut allergy among children in the United States has tripled between 1999 and 2017 (3).

The trend of increasing prevalence of food allergies is not unique to the United States. Studies conducted in other countries, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, have also reported a similar trend of increasing prevalence of food allergies. The reasons behind this trend are not fully understood, but researchers believe that factors such as changes in dietary habits, exposure to environmental allergens, and improvements in diagnostic methods may all play a role.

Overall, the number of people suffering from food allergies appears to be trending up, making it a significant public health concern that requires continued research and attention.

Symptoms of Food Allergies

Symptoms of food allergies can range from mild to severe, and they can affect different parts of the body. The most common symptoms include (4):

  • Hives or rashes on the skin
  • Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
  • Itchy or swollen eyes
  • Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Wheezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing
  • Anaphylaxis (a severe and life-threatening reaction that can cause a drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness, and even death)

Difference Between Allergy and Intolerance

Food intolerance is often confused with food allergies, but they are different. Food intolerance is a non-allergic reaction to certain foods that occurs when our body is unable to digest them properly. 

Symptoms of food intolerance can include gas, bloating, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps. Unlike food allergies, food intolerances are not life-threatening, and they do not involve the immune system (5).

Types of Food Allergies

There are different types of food allergies, but the most common ones are:

Peanut Allergy

This is one of the most common food allergies, and it can be severe. It is often diagnosed in childhood and can cause anaphylaxis.

Tree Nut Allergy

This includes allergies to walnuts, almonds, and cashews, among others. Tree nut allergies can also cause anaphylaxis.

Shellfish Allergy 

This includes allergies to shrimp, crab, and lobster, among others. Symptoms of shellfish allergies can range from mild to severe.

Milk Allergy

This is more common in children than adults and can cause hives, stomach upset, and anaphylaxis.

Egg Allergy

This is also more common in children and can cause hives, stomach upset, and anaphylaxis.

Testing for Food Allergies

If you suspect that you have a food allergy, you should see an allergist who can diagnose and treat allergies. There are different types of tests that can be done, including skin tests and blood tests. 

Skin tests involve pricking the skin with a small amount of the suspected allergen and monitoring for a reaction. Blood tests measure the amount of antibodies in the blood that are produced in response to the allergen (6).

Treatment for Food Allergies

The best treatment for food allergies is to avoid the food that triggers the allergy. This can be challenging, especially if the food is a common ingredient in many foods. 

In severe cases, people with food allergies should carry an epinephrine auto-injector, which can be used in case of an emergency. In addition, there are medications such as antihistamines that can be used to treat mild symptoms of food allergies (7).

Conclusion

Food allergies are becoming increasingly common, and they can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to life-threatening. It is important to understand the difference between food allergies and intolerances and to seek medical help if you suspect that you have a food allergy. 

There are different types of tests that can be done to diagnose food allergies, and the best treatment is to avoid the food that triggers the allergy. While there is no cure for food allergies, people can manage their symptoms and live healthy lives by being cautious about what they eat and carrying medication such as epinephrine auto-injectors in case of an emergency. 

It is important to raise awareness about food allergies, especially in schools and restaurants, to ensure the safety of people with food allergies.

Authors:

Jyoti Dabas (Founder & CEO, Institute of Nutrition and Fitness Sciences (INFS)

Dr Pooja Nilgar (Content writer and editor)

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References

  • Sicherer, S. H., & Sampson, H. A. (2018). Food allergy: A review and update on epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention, and management. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 141(1), 41-58. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2017.11.003
  • Gupta, R., Warren, C. M., Smith, B. M., Jiang, J., Blumenstock, J. A., Davis, M. M., & Schleimer, R. P. (2019). Prevalence and severity of food allergies among US adults. JAMA Network Open, 2(1), e185630-e185630. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2018.5630
  • Branum, A. M., & Lukacs, S. L. (2008). Food allergy among U.S. children: trends in prevalence and hospitalizations. NCHS Data Brief, (10), 1-8.
  • Sampson, H. A., Munoz-Furlong, A., Campbell, R. L., Adkinson, N. F., Jr., Bock, S. A., Branum, A., … & Taylor, S. L. (2006). Second symposium on the definition and management of anaphylaxis: summary report—Second National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease/Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network symposium. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 117(2), 391-397. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2005.12.1303
  • Skypala, I. J., & Vlieg-Boerstra, B. J. (2013). Food intolerance and food allergy in adults: distinction, diagnosis, and management. Nutrition in Clinical Practice, 28(6), 696-705. doi: 10.1177/0884533613504102
  • Sicherer, S. H., & Sampson, H. A. (2018). Food allergy: A review and update on epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention, and management. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 141(1), 41-58. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2017.11.003
  • Muraro, A., Werfel, T., Hoffmann-Sommergruber, K., Roberts, G., Beyer, K., Bindslev-Jensen, C., … & Zuberbier, T. (2014). EAACI food allergy and anaphylaxis guidelines: diagnosis and management of food allergy. Allergy, 69(8), 1008-1025. doi: 10.1111/all.12429

 

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