Food allergies can cause several symptoms that affect the stomach and digestion. A study published in the "Western Journal of Medicine" estimates two percent of adults and around five percent of children have clinical allergic reactions to food. Cow's milk is the most common cause of food allergy affecting the abdominal area in infants and young children. Allergic reactions include colic, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation and bloating or swelling of the stomach area.
Definition
Abdominal allergies, most often in the form of gastrointestinal allergies, occurs when allergic reactions are felt in the stomach area, as explained by MedicineNet. Anatomically, the abdomen is the area covering the lower margin of the ribs and diaphragm above, the pelvic bone below, and sides. Organs of the abdomen include the stomach, small and large intestines, liver, gallbladder, spleen and pancreas.
Food Intolerance
Many people confuse food intolerance with allergies although both have similar symptoms. Lactose intolerance, celiac disease and cystic fibrosis are main examples of food intolerance that are not allergies. Celiac disease results in some individuals due to eating wheat, barley and rye-containing foods. Lactose intolerance, which is not the same as allergy to milk, is more precisely a deficiency of the enzyme lactase in the small bowel mucosa, the allergy information site Immunocap clarifies. People who are lactose intolerant typically suffer from diarrhea, abdominal distension and cramps after drinking milk. People who suffer from food-intolerance related diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, also have symptoms that mimic abdominal allergies; however, the condition is caused by pancreatic enzyme deficiency, high sweat sodium and chloride concentrations and pulmonary disease.
Food Allergies
The body contains proteins, called antibodies, that are released to attack germs causing infection. A specific antibody called allergens sticks to molecules in food. When this happens an allergic reaction occurs. Typical symptoms include bloating or pain. Symptoms for milk allergy are frequent vomiting and diarrhea in children, with 30 to 50 percent also having skin rashes, notes the site Food Reactions. Anaphylaxis, which can be life threatening, may occur as a result from allergy to shellfish or peanuts.
Colic
Colic in babies cause symptoms such as flatulence, stomach swelling and vomiting, in addition to excessive crying. The condition has been linked to infections, under or overfeeding and a number of other causes. However, a study conducted by the "Western Journal of Medicine" found that colic is also due to allergy in which case a baby is unable to develop certain protective mechanisms, producing hypersensitivity. The symptoms of allergy-based colic include vomiting and abdominal pain.
Skin Reaction
Food allergies can also cause skin reactions such as eczema, hives and rashes. These may occur in addition to stomach swelling, cramping and pain, shortly after the allergen food is eaten. The "Western Journal of Medicine" warns that a skin rash may not always be present but can indicate a food allergy.
