FOOD ALLERGY
It occurs in about 4- 6% of the total population according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention .
It is important for people who have true food allergies to identify them and prevent allergic reactions to food, because these reactions can cause devastating illness and, in some cases death.
An allergic reaction to a certain food is typically a response to a protein in that food. The immune system erroneously identifies that protein as harmful . When a particular protein enters the body, the immune system may create a type of antibody known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) to neutralize the perceived invader. When the food allegen (food fragments responsible for an allergic reaction) again is ingested, the antibodies that were created earlier can trigger a release of chemicals including histamine.
Under normal circumstances, histamine plays a beneficial role in the immune system. But for reasons not clearly understood, the presence of IgE antibodies and the subsequent release of histamine provoke an allergic reaction in people who happen to be hypersensitive to a particular food protein.
If people are allergic to a particular food, for example , they may first experience itching in the mouth, as they start to eat the food.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of food allergy can range from mild to severe.
The most severe allergic reaction is anaphylaxis( a life threatening whole-body allergic reaction that can impair breathing and cause a dramatic drop in blood pressure thereby affecting the heart rate.
Others include:
*Gastrointestinal tract-Vomitting,diarrhea, indigestion, nausea.
*Skin- hives or rashes, swollen airway, rashes.
*Respiratory tract - Repetitive cough.
*Cardiovascular system- weak pulse.
Foods that can cause allergic reaction includes:
*Eggs
*Milk
*Peanut
*Fish
*Shellfish
*Wheat
*Soy
TREATMENT
*The use of Antihistamine drugs for mild reaction.
*Severe reaction needs an injection of epinephrine.
*Also avoid specific foods that triggers the reaction.
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