What are Food Allergies?

A food allergy occurs when your immune system reacts to certain foods. Over 170 types of food are known to trigger allergies, and about 33 million Americans are affected. The physical reactions can range from mild to life-threatening. Severe reactions, such as difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness, occur in 51% of adults and 43% of children with food allergies.

While avoiding specific foods is the best way to prevent symptoms, this isn’t always possible, especially for kids and when eating out or traveling. This article will cover the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for food allergy, offering valuable insights to help manage the condition. Understanding these factors can ensure a healthier, safer life for those with food allergies.

What are the most common food allergies?

Not all food triggers allergies. The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA) identifies the eight most common food allergens. FALCPA requires companies to clearly label food products containing these allergens, making it easier for consumers to identify and avoid them.

Here are the common food allergies:

1. 1. Eggs
   2. Milk
   3. Fish
   4. Wheat
   5. Peanuts
   6. Soybeans
   7. Tree Nuts (e.g., almonds, cashews, walnuts)
   8. Shellfish (e.g., shrimp, crab, lobster)

Sesame was recognized as the ninth major allergen in 2021. However, some food labels may still need to list sesame as an allergen, as the requirement only became mandatory in 2023.

Did You Know?

Milk and egg allergies are most common in children, while seafood allergies are more prevalent in adults. Some people also experience rare food allergies, such as strawberries or pork. There have even been cases of anaphylactic reaction (a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening) in individuals who consumed beer and in a teenager who ate crocodile meat.

What causes food allergy?

Food allergy is hereditary, mainly if asthma or eczema occurs in the family. It occurs when the immune system overreacts to a protein in a specific type of food, known as an allergen. The body makes particular antibodies (IgE) to fight the allergen. 

These antibodies travel through the blood and attach to immune cells. When a person ingests the allergens again, the antibodies trigger the release of chemicals that cause allergic reactions, including hives or breathing problems. 

Scientists continuously study why specific individuals develop these antibodies and why some people have severe allergic reactions to food and others do not. Researchers are exploring these questions to discover ways to prevent food allergies or reduce the severity of allergic reactions.

What are the symptoms of a food allergy?

Food allergy symptoms usually occur within two hours or just a few minutes after exposure to allergens. The allergic reactions may vary from mild to severe, which include:

• • Hives
  • Itchiness
  • Eczema
  • Redness of skin
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Sneezing
  • Runny nose
  • Coughing
  • Swelling of lips, tongue, face or throat
  • Difficulty breathing

A severe allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis, during which a person may experience difficulty breathing, a sudden drop in blood pressure, a weak pulse, and loss of consciousness. Anaphylaxis can lead to death if not managed immediately.

Here’s a YouTube video featuring an allergist who explains anaphylaxis in detail, including how to recognize the early signs and treat it immediately:

How long do allergic reactions to food allergy last?

Allergic reactions to food can last from a few hours to a few days, depending on the severity, the type and amount of allergens, and the individual’s sensitivity. Symptoms may subside within a few hours if appropriately managed, such as by taking antihistamines.

Gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea, may last up to a few days. Anaphylaxis can start within minutes of allergen ingestion and may progress rapidly if medical care is not provided.

Diagnosis and Tests

How to know if you have a food allergy?

Determining if you have a food allergy involves self-observation, reviewing your medical history, and undergoing diagnostic testing. Here are some ways to identify your allergy reactions to food:

1. Monitor Your Food Intake and Symptoms

List all the foods you eat and observe any symptoms you experience. Take note of signs such as hives, itching, or diarrhea after ingesting specific foods, as these can help you identify potential food allergies.

2. Eliminate suspected foods in your diet

If you suspect you are allergic to a particular food, try eliminating it from your diet first. Next, take small amounts of the potential food allergen and observe if you develop allergic reactions.

3. Refer to a Healthcare Provider

To determine if you have a food allergy, healthcare professionals will ask several questions regarding your food triggers, signs and symptoms, and the duration. It’s essential to identify the foods that can cause allergic reactions, which will be further assessed through medical tests prescribed by a healthcare provider.

How to test for food allergies?

Food allergy testing can be done in several ways and is ordered by a healthcare provider. Here are the ways you can get tested for food allergy:

Skin prick test

A skin prick test is conducted in a clinic and administered by medical personnel. The skin is pricked with a sterile lancet containing some allergen. If a small bump develops on the site after 15-30 minutes, you are allergic to that substance.

Blood test

Blood tests measure the level of IgE antibodies specific to the food(s) being tested. While less sensitive than skin prick tests, blood tests provide numerical results usually available within one to two weeks. However, the amount of IgE antibodies detected doesn’t necessarily predict the severity of the allergic reaction.

Oral Food Challenge

The oral food challenge is a traditional method for testing food allergies. It is also used to determine if a person has outgrown a food allergy by gradually consuming small amounts of the suspected allergen. Emergency medication is on hand, and the doctor will closely monitor the patient. However, this procedure can be time-consuming and carries some risk.

Warning!

Although home allergy tests are readily available, healthcare professionals generally do not recommend these kits, as they can be outdated and may be administered improperly. A 2022 study examined the controversies surrounding at-home allergy tests, revealing that some kits are sourced from non-accredited laboratories.

Management and Treatment

There is no cure for food allergies, but management involves eliminating certain foods from one’s diet. Medication is also available to treat food allergy symptoms.

How to treat food allergy symptoms?

There are different medications to manage food allergy symptoms effectively, such as the following:

Antihistamines

Antihistamines are medications that help relieve allergy symptoms by blocking the action of histamine, a substance in the body that causes allergic reactions. Diphenhydramine, also sold under the brand name Benadryl, is an over-the-counter antihistamine that helps reduce swelling, hives, and moderate itching.

Corticosteroids

Oral corticosteroids are taken by mouth and help calm the immune system, which can become overly reactive during allergic responses. It reduces swelling and treats more persistent symptoms such as redness and severe itching. However, it’s not advised for long-term use effects since it has side effects such as joint pains or anxiety.

Epinephrine

Epinephrine quickly narrows blood vessels to increase blood pressure and opens airways to help with breathing. For severe allergic reactions such as sudden drop in blood pressure, swollen throat, and breathing problems, an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) should be given right away. A doctor prescribes an EpiPen if you are at risk for anaphylaxis. If you have been prescribed an EpiPen, you should always carry it.

Helpful Article

Explore our complete guide on allergy treatment, highlighting the most common medications—from antihistamines to nasal corticosteroids. Learn how they can effectively relieve your symptoms from food allergy.

What should you do if you have a food allergy?

You can only manage food allergy since there is no cure for it. Here are some helpful tips to manage it:

• • Eliminate the food triggers in your diet. At times, introducing the food in small amounts over time can help curb the food allergy symptoms.

• • Be aware of the first signs of allergic reactions to prevent them from getting worse. The initial signs are usually hives, itchiness, and swelling.

• • Read product labels before buying or eating. Educate yourself on the different food terms because the food group can be wide. For example, milk can be butter, yogurt, or cheese. Soybeans are also vegetable protein or soy lecithin. 

• • Consider wearing a medical alert bracelet that identifies your food allergy. In an emergency, this can help first responders provide appropriate treatment.

• • Let friends, family, co-workers, and restaurant staff know about your allergy, and ask how food is prepared to avoid accidental exposure or cross-contamination.

• • Always carry your medication, especially if you have an Epinephrine prescription.

Final Words

While there is no cure for food allergy, proper management and treatment of symptoms can help you lead a safer and healthier lifestyle. Understanding your food triggers and recognizing the early signs of allergic reactions are essential in effectively managing your condition.

Communicating your allergies to those in your community, including restaurant staff, friends, and family members, can help prevent accidental ingestion of food allergens. Additionally, ensuring that medications are readily available will provide you with the necessary tools to respond promptly in case of an allergic reaction.

Frequently Asked Questions