An allergic reaction to a particular food maybe uncomfortable but not serious to some people but for other people an allergic reaction can be life-threatening.  Up to 2 million adults and children in the United States are estimated to have food allergies.

            With a true food allergy, a person’s immune system overreacts to an ordinarily harmless food.  This is caused by an allergy antibody called IgE (Immunoglobulin E).  This antibody develops after eating the food repeatedly in the past but without having problems. 

            Sometimes food intolerance is confused with food allergy.  This differs from a food allergy in that it does not involve the body’s immune system.  Food allergens are those parts of the food that cause allergic reactions and are usually proteins.  The most common food allergens are the proteins in cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish and tree nuts.  The most common allergic skin reaction to food is hives, which are very itchy, red and swollen areas on the skin that arise quickly and then suddenly leave. 

            The most common signs and symptoms of a true food allergy include:

• Tingling of the mouth
• Hives, itching and eczema
• Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, throat and other parts of the body
• Wheezing and trouble breathing
• Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting

          In severe cases, consuming a food which one is allergic to can cause anaphylaxis which is a systemic allergic reaction and can be severe and even fatal in some cases.  Symptoms of anaphylaxis are reversed by treatment with injectable epinephrine, antihistamine and other emergency measures.  

            An allergist/immunologist is the best qualified to diagnose food allergies.  Diagnosis requires a detailed assessment which can include allergy skin tests, blood tests called RAST testing and patients keeping a detailed food diary.  An allergist can help determine the difference between intolerance and allergy and can help in establishing a management plan.  If you have any questions or concerns, you may contact our ENT/allergy department at 325-224-5211 or 325-224-5251.