7 Common Food Allergies
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An allergic reaction simply refers to an induction of an abnormal chemo-taxis response mediated by immunoglobulin E in your body upon the interaction of allergens and antibodies. The tissues that are mostly involved in this reaction include: The Rhinitis or mucus membrane, the conjunctivitis in the eye, some cutenous apparatus and the bronchi tissues in cases of Pollinois and asthma.
Below is a brief description of the facts, the symptoms and how to cope with seven common food allergies.
Dairy Allergies
· Facts
About 2.5 % of the children around the world is allergic to the protein found in cow milk. If you are allergic to cow milk, then you will also need to avoid sheep and goat milk.
· Symptoms
Skin reactions such as hives and eczema, an itchy red and watery conjunctivitis, GI reactions such as nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea, airway symptoms such as wheezing, coughing and running nose, Angiodema (The swelling of the tongue, lips and face).
· Management
There is no cure for dairy allergy. All you have to do is to avoid taking diary products. A doctor may also prescribe an epinephrine auto injector or the Epi pen as it is commonly known for emergency dairy allergy attacks.
Egg Allergies
· Fact
Egg just as milk is mostly a food allergen to infants, but affecting a lesser percentage as compared to milk. Interestingly, it is possible to be just allergic to the yolk or to the white part of the egg. When allergic to hen`s eggs you also become allergic to other bird`s eggs like the quail and goose and you should avoid touching these eggs especially when it comes to those of the wild birds.
· Symptoms
Skin reactions such as hives and eczema, an itchy red and watery conjunctivitis, Gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea, airway symptoms such as wheezing, coughing and running nose.
· Management
Vaccines cultured in egg proteins are a common medication for egg allergies. Talk to a doctor to establish which particular vaccines are safe for your use incase you have this allergy.
Wheat Allergies
· Facts
Wheat is ranked the eight most common food allergies in the world having an infected world population of about 0.4%.
· Symptoms
Skin reactions such as hives and eczema, an itchy red and watery conjunctivitis, Gastrointestinal reactions such as nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea, airway symptoms such as wheezing, coughing and running nose, Angiodema.
· Management
Taking gluten- free menus items has proven to be a very effective way of controlling this allergy. You can also go for alternative grains like arrowroots, buck wheat, tapioca, millet, amaranth, and quinoa to substitute wheat among your ingredients when preparing your food.
Soy Allergies
· Facts
People with soy allergy always have varying positive or negative legume reactions. After eating soy, some people with birch pollen allergy and oral allergy syndrome may experience Angiodema. Soy almost affects the same percentage of people like wheat as a food allergen. However, the good news is that, most children with soy allergy always completely over grow it by the age of seven.
· Symptoms
Shock anaphylaxis , skin reactions such as hives and eczema, an itchy red and watery conjunctivitis, Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea, airway symptoms such as wheezing, coughing and running nose and Angiodema.
· Management
Many restaurants use soy oil and lecithin because they are cheaper than the common refined oils. This is why you should always read labels on protein products to ensure that they are soy free if you are allergic to soy. You can also adapt eating dairy products, whole grains and other legumes if you are not allergic to them as substitutes.
Tree Nut Allergies
· Facts
The strongest probability of tree nut allergy cross reactions have been witness with the walnut, pecan, cashew and pistachio tree nuts. However, a very minimal percentage of the world’s population is allergic to these types of allergens. In facts, tree nuts can be ranked as the least common food allergens. Despite the great biological non-relation between peanuts and tree nuts, many people with tree nut allergies have a great chance of developing peanut allergies. Common foods containing tree nuts include: Nougat, Pralines and Baklava.
· Symptoms
Anaphylaxis, cardiac Arrhythmia and breathing difficulties (asthma).
· Management
Carrying the injection epinephrine since the chances of getting anaphylactic shock with tree nut allergies is always very high.
Sea Food Allergies
· Facts
Shellfish allergy affects around 2% and 0.1% of adults and children respectively across the world and is the most common sea food allergy. It develops more in adult hood and tends to be both severe and lifelong as compared to other types of food allergies. Apart from causing allergies, shellfish also produce a very potent toxin in them called sax-toxin that can cause fatal poisoning if ingested.
· Symptoms
Shell fish allergy symptoms manifest within minutes up to two hours after eating shellfish. These symptoms include: – Skin reactions such as hives and eczema, an itchy red and watery conjunctivitis, GI reactions such as nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea, airway symptoms such as wheezing, coughing and running nose and Angiodema. This allergy is also a common inductor of the exercise induced anaphylaxis.
· Management
Shellfish allergy can only be controlled by completely avoiding shellfish food products.
Citric Allergies
· Facts
Citric acid is common food additive found in soda and canned foods. Note that citric acid does not contain citric juice. They are different even in their manufacturing process. Citric acid is manufactured through the industrial culturing of a type of mold called Aspergillus Niger. Citric acid retains it manufacturing mold component and that is what gives it an allergic potential. This acid can also cause acid reflux that can cause heart burns.
· Symptoms
Mild skin rashes, mouth ulcers headaches, heartburns and gastro intestinal symptoms bloating and abdominal pain.
· Management
Avoid citrus fruits like oranges and lemons and use different type of vegetables as alternative sources o f vitamin C.
Knowing the facts, symptoms and management of the allergies is not enough in ensuring that you protect yourself from them. You need a proper health cover to cap it up.
Jolie Fulton has been writing contents on the web professionally since 2005. She has worked as a tech and business marketing copy writer on various topics. Before she is into writing, lectured as a professor on vivid business topics. She is currently researching on ehic renewal.
