Food Allergies
Food allergies are adverse immune responses to food proteins in susceptible individuals.
On eating certain food items body produces IgE antibodies that in turn release histamine chemical which causes various symptoms like
Redness of skin & itching
Running & itching nose
cough
breathlessness/wheeze
vomiting or diarrhoea
The most common food items that cause skin allergies are
- Milk
- Egg
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Fish
- Shellfish
- Soy
- Wheat
- Seeds
The prevalence of food allergies has been increasing worldwide, affecting approximately 4% of children and 1% of adults worldwide.
Sometimes, parents are confused about food allergies and intolerance. Food intolerance is a non-IgE-mediated body reaction to food items that is\' slow-onset\' and \'delayed\'. Symptoms may take hours or even days to appear after exposure to the allergen, in contrast to the minutes or hours for IgE-mediated reactions.
Clinical history of patient—This considers all events and history related to the allergic reaction, including food taken just before the symptoms.
Blood test: the amount of specific IgE antibodies in the blood for specific allergens.
Skin Prick Test (SPT): This is the most commonly used test for investigating food allergies. It involves applying standardized extracts of different foods and allergens to the skin and observing the reaction.
Component-resolved diagnostics (CRD): This advanced test measures IgE antibodies to specific components contained in the allergen of interest, providing more detailed information about the allergenicity and potential severity of reactions.
Food allergies are treatable, and most children outgrow their allergies as they grow old.
Avoidance of allergen
Probiotics
Oral immunotherapy
Medication
Food allergies can affect anyone from children to adults. Early identification, awareness, and proper labeling can help prevent life-threatening reactions.”
“Raising awareness about these common allergens helps us create safer spaces for everyone.”
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Reference-Elghoudi A, Narchi H. Food allergy in children-the current status and the way forward. World J Clin Pediatr. 2022 May 9;11(3):253-269. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v11.i3.253. PMID: 35663006; PMCID: PMC9134150.
