Chronic allergic inflammation can be triggered and prolonged by eating foods that you're allergic to. Chronic allergic inflammation typically caused by a food allergy appears in the sinus cavity, the lungs or in the skin, depending on the specific condition, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. The heightened levels of histamine released in the body during an allergic reaction lead to chronic allergic inflammation and needs to be assessed by a medical doctor. If you have a known food allergy, avoid consuming those foods to prevent allergic inflammation.
Food Allergies
The most common food allergies are found in children when consuming wheat, soy, milk, fish, nuts or dairy, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. The proteins found in various foods cause the immune system to malfunction in someone with a food allergy. The immune system reacts to the food as if it was destructive substance and attempts to ward it of by attacking it with antibodies. The antibodies cause a chemical reaction in the body that leads to inflammation.
Cause
Chronic allergic inflammation caused by food allergies is the result of increased histamine levels throughout the body. Histamine is produced by mast cells as a response to the production of antibodies. Histamine causes inflammation and irritation in tissue, mainly in the sinuses, the airways and under the skin.
Types
The types of chronic allergic inflammation are allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis and hives. Allergic asthma is defined by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America as inflammation in the lungs as the result of an allergen. The lungs swell, cutting off the ability to breathe normally, causing shortness of breathe and wheezing. Allergic rhinitis, also referred to as hay fever, is nasal reactions from common allergens. This chronic allergy condition causes sneezing, congestion and sinus pressure pain. Hives are inflammation in the skin that causes red, itchy welts to form.
Symptoms
Any time there is chronic allergic inflammation swelling and other allergic symptoms will be present. Other allergic symptoms include itchiness in the throat or mouth, postnasal drip, decreased smell and taste, swollen lips or tongue, general itchiness and tingling in the lips.
Consideration
Treat chronic allergic inflammation by identifying the triggers. Talk with an allergist to perform allergy tests to determine if you have a specific food allergy. If a food allergy is ruled out, the chronic allergic inflammation could be a result of other allergens, such as pollen, dust mites or mold spores.
