Allergies are a common cause of illness and can occur at any stage in someone’s life. There are many hypotheses regarding the basis of allergy. While we don’t completely understand the etiology of allergic disease, much research has focused on how it may be obviated.

Food allergy and food intolerance are usually confused, as symptoms of food intolerance sometimes can be like those of food allergy. Food intolerance occurs in the digestive tract and does not involve the immune system and does not cause severe allergic reactions (known as anaphylaxis) compare to a food allergy which triggers a systemic immune response. Environmental triggers also play a part as well as chemicals in your foods.

While science is puzzled on widespread food allergies today, one thing researchers are positive of is that a cure for food allergies is certainly needed. As it may also run in families according to some Scientist, meaning there may be a genetic factor, as well as environmental factors in the increase of food allergies. Allergen avoidance is the primary management of food allergy, with immediate emergency care for accidental exposure.

Common Food Allergens Include:

• cow’s milk
• eggs
• fish
• nuts
• peanuts
• shellfish
• soy
• wheat

Though these are the most common, it is still possible to be allergic to any kind of food. For instance, if you’re allergic to ragweed, you could also be allergic to foods in the same classifications, such as melons. The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to entirely avoid a food allergen.

The symptoms of mild to moderate food allergy include:

• itching, burning and swelling around the mouth
• swelling of face or eyes
• runny nose
• skin rash (eczema)
• hives (red and raised skin)
• abdominal cramps diarrhea
•  Difficulties of breathing
• Vomiting and nausea.

Be aware that food allergies can be deadly, however not all physical reactions to food require a visit to the emergency room. Someone goes to the emergency room every three minutes because they bear a severe food allergic reaction.
For your unending health and comfort, it can be very beneficial to consult an allergist or even a dietitian or nutritionist. To help you to identify your allergens and determine what OTC antihistamine is appropriate for you to visit an allergist. Also, a nutritionist or dietitian can determine and provide you with useful tips and can plan for your foods so you avoid triggering your allergy while still getting the appropriate nutrition.

 How You Can Prevent It:

• Before you indulge read labels and ask people what’s in food.
• To help manage your symptoms, take your medicines as prescribed. Best to take them while also avoiding allergens.
• Make it a point to let the people around you have the idea about your allergy, so they are ready to help if an emergency occurs.
• If you have ever had a severe allergic reaction, wear a medical alert necklace or bracelet. This will serve as information that you have a serious allergy. If you have a reaction and you are unable to communicate this can be very critical for you.
• Though the severity of some food allergies lessens over time, don’t test the waters by trying even a little bit of potentially dangerous food.

While the backbone of diagnosis and management in food allergy will continue to relatively remain, there is several emerging approach that offers amazing anticipation for the future. Future studies exploring strategies to induce tolerance are required. Improved diagnostic capabilities and management techniques will revolutionize food allergy diagnosis and management for physicians and patients alike in years to come.

Reference:

1. https://www.rd.com/health/wellness/food-allergies-treatment/
2. https://www.webmd.com/allergies/food-allergy-testing
3. https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/expert-q-and-a-eating-with-food-allergies
4. https://www.foodallergy.org/life-with-food-allergies/newly-diagnosed/treating-allergic-reactions-to-food
5. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321159.php