Food Allergy

Summary

.Food allergy is an abnormal response to a food triggered by your body`s immune system.

.The allergic reaction may be mild. In rare cases it can cause a severe reaction called anaphylaxis.

.Health care provider may use a detailed history, elimination diet ,skin and blood test to diagnose a food allergy.

Food allergy is an abnormal response to a food triggered by your bodys immune system.In adults, the foods that most often trigger allergic reactions include fish, shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts, such as walnuts. Problem foods for children can include eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, and wheat.

The allergic reaction may be mild. In rare cases it can cause a severe reaction called anaphylaxis. Symptoms of food allergy include,

• Itching or swelling in your mouth
• Vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal cramps and pain
• Hives or eczema
• Tightening of the throat and trouble breathing
• Drop in blood pressure

Your health care provider may use a detailed history, elimination diet, and skin and blood tests to diagnose a food allergy.

When you have food allergies, you must be prepared to treat an accidental exposure. Wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace, and carry an auto-injector device containing epinephrine (adrenaline).

You can only prevent the symptoms of food allergy by avoiding the food. After you and your health care provider have identified the foods to which you are sensitive, you must remove them from your diet.

Cause of Food Allergy,

.The most common causes are reactions to foods(especially peanuts)

.Medications

.Stinging insects

Severe Symptoms of Food Allergy,

.Lung-shortness of breath

.Heart-pale or bluish skin,faintness

.Throat-tight or hoarse throat(trouble breathing)

.Gut-repetitive vomiting

Mild Symptoms of Food Allergy,

.Nose-itchy or runny nose,seezing

.Mouth-itchy mouth

.Skin-A few hives ,mild itchy

Complications of Food Allergy,

.Anaphylaxis.This is a life threatening allergic reaction 

.Atopic dermatitis(eczema)

Diagnosis of Food Allergy,

.History of symptoms-which foods, and how much, seem to cause problems

.Share information about family history of allergies

.Physical examination

.A skin test

.A blood test

.Elimination diet

.Oral food challenge

Treatment for Food Allergy,

.Self-care

.Supportive care

.Medications

.Medical procedure