Understanding Common Food Allergies and Their Signs
This article explores common food allergies like peanuts, shellfish, wheat, milk, and soy, highlighting their symptoms and management strategies. It emphasizes the importance of early testing, avoidance, and therapies such as oral and sublingual immunotherapy for allergy control. Understanding these allergies helps individuals take proactive steps to stay safe and manage reactions effectively.
Food allergies occur when the immune system reacts abnormally to specific harmless foods, causing discomfort and health risks. These allergies are prevalent and can affect individuals of all ages, often developing early or later in life. Identifying allergenic foods through testing is crucial for management. Here are some typical food allergies and their associated symptoms.
Major Food Allergies
Peanuts
Peanut allergy is widespread and can cause reactions ranging from skin rashes to severe throat swelling. Severe responses like anaphylaxis require immediate medical attention. Early diagnosis and consultation with healthcare professionals are vital for managing this allergy.
Shellfish
Proteins such as tropomyosin, found in shellfish like lobsters, shrimp, scallops, and crabs, can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. Other proteins like arginine kinase and myosin also play a role, leading to symptoms such as rashes, swelling, hives, or vomiting. Since there is no cure, avoiding shellfish is the best way to prevent reactions.
Wheat
Wheat contains various proteins, with gluten being a common allergen. This triggers allergies in some people, resulting in symptoms like skin rashes or swelling, especially in children. Most children outgrow wheat allergies by age ten, but those who do not should avoid wheat entirely.
Milk
Soy
Various therapies can assist in managing food allergies effectively.
Oral Immunotherapy
This method involves gradually increasing doses of allergen, such as peanut powder (e.g., Palforzia), taken orally under medical supervision.
Sublingual Immunotherapy
This treatment involves placing liquid drops containing the allergen under the tongue for a couple of minutes before swallowing, aiming to boost allergen tolerance.
