By Anagha Rao
Research suggests that 32 million Americans are diagnosed with a food allergy, in addition to 5.6 million children in the United States under 18. But what are food allergies? How do they work? How can you help a friend with a food allergy? Keep reading to find out.
A food allergy is when the body’s immune system labels certain foods as harmful and activates an immune response, or allergic reaction, every time those foods are consumed. Some of the most common food allergies include cow's milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts or other nuts, shellfish, wheat, soy, and fish.
There are two major types of food allergies: IgE-mediated food allergy and non-IgE-mediated food allergy. IgE, or Immunoglobulin E, are antibodies that identify objects that may be harmful to the body and release histamine. When the IgE is working correctly, it identifies objects that may be harmful to the body and releases histamine, which causes symptoms such as cough, wheeze, or hives. Sometimes, the IgE can trigger an immune response to certain harmless foods, causing the allergic reaction symptoms. The other type of food allergy is non-IgE mediated food allergy. Non-IgE mediated food allergies are caused by a reaction involving other immune system components apart from IgE antibodies. Symptoms of a non-IgE-mediated food allergy usually occur 24-72 hours after someone consumes the food they’re allergic to.
Other symptoms of food allergies include itching, swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, tightening of the throat, or difficulty breathing. Sometimes, a specific food can lead to a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. Some symptoms of anaphylaxis include constriction or tightening of the airways, a swollen throat or the sensation of a lump in your throat that makes it difficult to breathe, shock with a severe drop in blood pressure, rapid pulse, and dizziness.
However, these symptoms don’t always indicate a food allergy. Food intolerance is a reaction to something you eat that causes similar symptoms to food allergies. However, there are some differences. If a person has a food intolerance, they may be able to eat small amounts of certain foods before experiencing symptoms. In a food allergy, even a tiny amount of those foods can cause a reaction. Food intolerance can be caused by the absence of the enzyme necessary to digest that specific food. For example, many people are lactose intolerant. This means that the body doesn’t have enough of the enzyme lactase, which digests lactose.
When treating a food allergy, the first thing allergists must do is prescribe an epinephrine pen (EpiPen). An EpiPen is a pen-shaped needle that injects epinephrine, a hormone and neurotransmitter, into the body during an allergic reaction. This drug primarily works to relax the body’s airway and improve breathing. It also reverses the life-threatening decrease in blood pressure that occurs during an allergic reaction. Doctors also prescribe an elimination diet, which involves removing certain foods the body doesn’t tolerate well for a certain period of time. These foods are later reintroduced while closely monitoring symptoms. This diet must only be used at the discretion of a medical professional, as reintroducing foods with a known allergy can cause severe health effects. In emergency situations in which someone is having an allergic reaction and doesn’t have an EpiPen or other immediate support, it's a good idea to call 911.
Food allergies can be scary, but over time, someone can get used to their allergies and lead a normal, healthy lifestyle. Even when someone does experience an allergic reaction, there are many ways to provide effective help.
Educational Content
What is a food allergy?
A food allergy is when the body’s immune system labels certain foods as harmful and activates an immune response or allergic reaction every time food is consumed. Some of the most common food allergies include cow's milk, eggs, tree nuts, peanuts or other nuts, shellfish, wheat, soy, and fish.
How do healthcare professionals treat food allergies?
When treating a food allergy, the first thing allergists must do is prescribe an epinephrine pen (EpiPen). An EpiPen is a pen-shaped needle that injects medication into the body during an allergic reaction. This drug primarily works to relax the body’s airway and improve breathing. It also reverses the life-threatening decrease in blood pressure during an allergic reaction.
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