Frequently asked questions about food allergies

1.What is the difference between food allergy and food intolerance?

Food allergies are sometimes confused with food intolerance. Food allergies involve the immune system and can be life-threatening. Even small amounts of the allergenic food can cause symptoms such as digestive problems, hives, or swelling of the respiratory tract.

An intolerance is when your body has trouble digesting food. It can make you feel uncomfortable, often with stomach pain, but it is not life-threatening and does not involve the immune system. The most common intolerance is lactose - a natural sugar found in milk.

2.What substances are likely to cause food allergies?

More than 170 foods are known to cause food allergies, but eight foods account for 9 out of 10 reactions: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soybeans, wheat, fish, and shellfish such as shellfish (lobster, shrimp, crab, oysters, etc.).

3.What are the symptoms of a food allergic reaction?

Allergic reactions to foods have a wide range of symptoms, and each person may experience different symptoms from one reaction to the next. Many reactions start with skin symptoms, such as hives or rashes, but some do not. More severe symptoms, such as low blood pressure and difficulty breathing, can be life-threatening. See an allergist to find out if you are susceptible to allergies.

Complications of food allergies can include:

Anaphylaxis. This is a life-threatening allergic reaction. Atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema. Food allergies can cause skin reactions, such as eczema.

4What is food allergy anaphylaxis?

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that comes on quickly and can cause coma and death. Emergency treatment is essential for anaphylaxis.

Recognize the symptoms of anaphylaxis, including:

Constriction, tightening of the airway. Swelling of the throat or feeling of a lump in the throat that makes it difficult to breathe. Shock with a severe drop in blood pressure. Rapid pulse. Dizziness, lightheadedness, or loss of consciousness.

5.Will antihistamines prevent anaphylaxis from food allergies?

Although antihistamines can help relieve some mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as an itchy mouth or hives, they cannot prevent life-threatening symptoms of anaphylaxis.

6.How much food allergen does it take to cause a reaction?

Even small amounts of a food allergen can cause a reaction in some people with food allergies. While ingestion is the main cause of severe reactions, in some cases, skin contact or inhalation of food proteins (for example, steam from cooking shellfish) can also cause symptoms.

7.How long does it take for an allergic reaction to start after eating a food?

Symptoms usually begin within minutes of eating, and up to two hours later. In some cases, after the first symptoms disappear, a second wave of symptoms returns one to four hours (or sometimes even longer). This second wave is called a biphasic reaction. The risk of a biphasic reaction is why patients with severe reactions should stay in the hospital for four to six hours for observation.

8.Who is most at risk for severe food allergies?

If you are already allergic to one food, you may be at higher risk of being allergic to another. However, people with asthma are at higher risk. Once you know what foods you are allergic to, it is best to eliminate them from your diet and always have emergency medications such as epinephrine on hand to reverse the symptoms of anaphylaxis in case of accidental ingestion and allergic reaction.

Factors that may increase the risk of developing an anaphylactic reaction include:

Have a history of asthma. Are young children. Food allergies are more common in children, especially toddlers and infants. Delay the use of epinephrine as prescribed to treat food allergy symptoms. Do not have hives or other skin symptoms.

9.Can the severity of a food allergy be predicted?

No. A person who previously had mild reactions may suddenly experience severe reactions that can be fatal.

10.Is there a cure for food allergies?

Absolute avoidance of the food allergen is the only way to prevent a reaction. An epinephrine auto-injector is the only medication available to prevent a severe reaction called anaphylaxis.

11.What should you do if you suspect your child has a food allergy?

For severe reactions

If your child develops serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the lips or tongue, call emergency services immediately.

Severe allergic reactions require emergency medical attention. A child's airway can close within minutes, so medical attention is needed as soon as possible.

For milder reactions

Keep an eye on your child, and see a doctor if the hives get worse or last longer than 24 hours. Call 911 if your child has any severe reactions. A cool bath may help relieve the itching, but limit the bath to 10 minutes so your child doesn't get cold. If your child continues to have symptoms within 2 hours of eating a certain food, ask your doctor about testing.

Be prepared in case your child has another food allergy. The first reaction may be mild, but the next one has the potential to be serious. Your doctor will give you a specific plan of action, including how to handle the allergic reaction.

12.Can food allergies go away on their own?

Allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish are usually lifelong. Allergies to milk, eggs, wheat, and soy usually begin in childhood and may go away in adulthood.

13.Should I try a small amount of the food I've been allergic to?

No. Only an allergist can test for this.

Not all food allergies are life-threatening. In most cases, symptoms are mild and uncomfortable. If you have a family history of food allergies, asthma, and adverse reactions to certain foods, get tested to see if you have a food allergy. Once diagnosed, follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment and which foods are safe to eat.