Food Allergy Symptoms

Studies suggest that food allergies affect more than 15 million Americans. Food allergic reactions can cause a variety of symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including anaphylaxis, a severe reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death. These reactions may be the result of the immune system to produce an antibody, immunoglobulin E (or IgE) to a particular food, or the result of non-IgE reaction, which is mediated by cells. Examples of non-IgE reactions include soy milk or intolerances, celiac disease, food protein-induced enterocolitis (FPIES) and eosinophil disorders.

Almost any food can cause an adverse reaction, but eight foods (egg, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat and soy) account for approximately 90 percent of all reactions.

Symptoms can affect the skin, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and / or respiratory irritation. Mild symptoms can include itchy mouth, isolated urticaria, nausea or mild discomfort. More severe symptoms of food allergy include:

- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Indigestion
- Diarrhea
- The hives all over body
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Cough repetitive
- Tight, hoarse throat, difficulty swallowing
- Inflammation of the tongue and / or lips
- Weak pulse
- Pale or bluish skin
- Dizziness or confusion

Adrenaline is the first line treatment for anaphylaxis. Other medications, such as antihistamines and corticosteroids may be prescribed to treat the symptoms of a food allergy, but it is important to note that there is no substitute for epinephrine - This is the only drug that can reverse the symptoms that threaten life of anaphylaxis.

Symptoms of food allergies typically occur within the first few minutes after ingestion of food allergen, although in some cases the reaction can be delayed by 4 to 6 hours, or even longer if the reaction is not IgE mediated (ie FPIES).

Some symptoms may point to a particular type of reaction - symptoms such as itchy mouth and throat that may indicate oral allergy syndrome (OAS), which occurs in people who have hay fever and eat certain fruits or raw vegetables cross-react with pollen.

Delay (two to eight hours) Allergic reactions to certain foods, such as milk and soy among infants and young children may be related to FPIES, a reaction typically characterized by vomiting and diarrhea.

Some of the symptoms related to soft foods may be caused by food intolerance rather than an allergic reaction. If you have a reaction to what you think is a food, check with your allergist for a diagnosis and determine a treatment plan and management.