Frequently Asked Questions about Food Allergies

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

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

Intolerance is when the body has difficulty digesting food. It can cause discomfort, often accompanied by abdominal pain, but it is not life-threatening and is not related to the immune system. The most common intolerance is to lactose – a naturally occurring sugar found in milk.

2.What substances are most likely to cause food allergens?

Over 170 foods are known to cause food allergies, but 8 foods account for 9 out of 10 allergic reactions: milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish (lobster, shrimp, crab, oysters...).

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

Allergic reactions to food have a wide range of symptoms, and each person may experience different symptoms depending on the specific reaction. Many reactions begin with skin symptoms, such as hives or rashes, but some do not. More serious symptoms, such as low blood pressure and difficulty breathing, can be life-threatening. It is necessary to consult an allergist to determine if you are prone 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 anaphylactic shock due to food allergy?

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that occurs rapidly and can cause coma and death. Emergency treatment is crucial for anaphylaxis.

Recognize the symptoms of anaphylactic shock, including:

Airway constriction or tightness. Swelling or a feeling of a lump in the throat making it difficult to breathe. Shock with a severe drop in blood pressure. Rapid pulse. Dizziness, lightheadedness, or loss of consciousness.

5.Will antihistamines prevent anaphylactic shock caused by food allergies?

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

6.How many food allergens are needed to trigger a reaction?

Even small amounts of food allergens can trigger a reaction in some people with food allergies. While ingestion is the primary cause of severe reactions, in some cases, skin contact or inhalation of food proteins (e.g., 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 typically begin a few minutes after eating, and at most two hours later. In some cases, after the first symptoms disappear, a second wave of symptoms will return after 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 experiencing a severe reaction should remain hospitalized for 4 to 6 hours for monitoring.

8.Who is at the highest risk of developing severe food allergies?

If you're already allergic to one food, you may be at a higher risk of being allergic to another. However, people with asthma are at even higher risk. Once you know which foods you're allergic to, the best course of action is to eliminate those foods from your diet, and always have emergency medications like epinephrine readily available to reverse anaphylaxis symptoms in case of accidental ingestion and an allergic reaction.

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

History of asthma. Being a young child. Food allergies are more common in children, especially toddlers and infants. Delay the use of epinephrine as prescribed to treat food allergy symptoms. No hives or other skin symptoms.

9.Is it possible to predict the severity of a food allergy in someone who has a history of food allergies?

No. A person who previously had a mild reaction could suddenly experience a severe, potentially fatal reaction.

10.Is there a cure for food allergies?

Completely avoiding the food allergen is the only way to prevent a reaction. Epinephrine auto-injector is the only medication to stop 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, swelling of the lips or tongue, call emergency services immediately.

Severe allergic reactions require emergency medical attention. A child's airways can close within minutes, so medical personnel need to be present as soon as possible.

For milder reactions

Monitor your child and take them to a doctor if the situation seems to worsen or if the hives last longer than 24 hours. Call emergency services if your child has any serious reaction. Cool baths can help relieve itching, but limit bath time to 10 minutes to prevent your child from getting cold. If your child consistently experiences symptoms within 2 hours of eating a particular food, ask your doctor about testing.

Be prepared in case your child has another food allergy. The first time it might be a mild reaction, but the next time it could be serious. Your doctor will guide you through a specific action plan, including how to manage the allergic reaction.

12.Can food allergies resolve on their own?

Allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish often last a lifetime. Allergies to milk, eggs, wheat, and soy usually begin in childhood and may resolve in adulthood.

13.Should you try a small amount of a food that previously caused an allergic reaction?

No. Only an allergist can check this.

Not all food allergies are life-threatening. In most cases, symptoms are mild and bothersome. If you have a family history of food allergies, asthma, and experience adverse reactions after eating certain foods, consider getting tested for food allergies. Once diagnosed, follow your doctor's recommendations regarding treatment and which foods you can safely consume.