What is Food Allergy ? Are you suffering from food allergy ?

To understand the concept of Food Allergy , firstly we need to understand what is an allergen ? So what is an allergen ? Let me give you a brief idea about the allergen

 ALLERGEN
Any protein particle or component that causes hypersensitive response in our body , and cause the release of  antibodies in our body is generally termed as Allergen . Immunoglobulins or antibodies are the substances that help in neutralizing the Allergen  .

 FOOD ALLERGEN 
Any protein in food or any protein component of food that body takes as threat or considers harmful and causes the release of antibodies in the body may be termed as food allergen .
Food Allergen binds to Immunoglobulins E (IgE) and causes the release of a chemical in our body called HISTAMINE . Once histamine is released , it causes contraction of smooth muscles such as tissues of lungs , stomach and cause acceleration of Heart beat .Blood pressure may drop and may also cause difficulty in breathing .

SYMPTOMS
These symptoms are usually observed after 30-45 minutes after consuming food that causes food allergy

  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Low blood pressure
  • Pale or bluing of skin
  • Repeatedly cough
  • Vomitting
  • Trouble Swallowing
  • Blood pressure drop
  • Rashes on the body              
A man suffering from food allergy
                                                     
COMMON FOOD ALLERGENS
According to a report , about 15 million Americans are suffering from Food Allergies .1 in 13 people ares suffering from food allergies . The following foods cause most common food allergies
  • Eggs
  • Fish
  • Peanuts
  • Shellfish
  • Tree Nuts
  • Wheat
  • Soy
Out of these foods , Fish ,Shellfish , peanuts cause more long lasting food allergies .

TREATMENT OF FOOD ALLERGY
There is no proper treatment of food allergy . A possible temporary solution is by EPINEPHRINE . A Epinephrine or Adrenaline is a substance normally produced by body , that works opposite to HISTAMINE . It can therefore lessen the affect of Histamine . Epinephrine Auto injectors should be used immediately after consuming food allergens . Just like asthma patients use inhalers . Food Allergy patients can use Epinephrine Auto Injectors to nullify the effect of Histamine .

AVOIDING FOOD ALLERGENS
  • Read Food labels carefully
  • Avoid those foods that cause the trouble
  • Prepare allergen free food ,utensils should be washed thoroughly to remove allergens from them
TESTS FOR FOOD ALLERGY
The following tests can be used to check if you are allergic to foods
  • Skin test
  • Blood test
  • Elimination diet
  • Oral food challenge



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