Food is essential to life, but for some people food causes unpleasant symptoms that can make eating undesirable. The most common conditions related to adverse reactions to foods are a food allergy and food intolerance. The two conditions are commonly confused for one another because they can trigger similar gastrointestinal symptoms. If you experience adverse reactions after eating certain foods, call your doctor for further evaluation.
About Food Allergies
A food allergy is less common than most people think, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. While more than a quarter of the U.S. population thinks they have a food allergy, only about 2 percent of adults have a authentic food allergy. The most common foods that cause an allergic reaction are: wheat, soy, milk, eggs, peanuts, fish, shellfish and tree nuts. The allergic reaction occurs in the body because the immune system mistakes the proteins in these foods as harmful substances, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. The body responds by building a defense system to protect itself.
Food Allergy Reactions
Food allergy reactions are distinct and obvious. The symptoms of a food allergy can range in severity depending on the individual. Most food allergies will affect the respiratory system, the skin and the digestive tract, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. You may develop asthma, difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, sinus congestion, sneezing, a runny nose or postnasal drip as a result of a food allergy. The skin can become affected, producing hives or eczema. The digestive system can become irritated, leading to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramping.
Food Intolerance
Food intolerance is more common than food allergies and is the result of a malfunction of the small intestines. If you have food intolerance, your intestines do not create enough of the proper enzymes to digest the proteins or sugars found in certain foods. Common food intolerances include gluten intolerance and lactose intolerance, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. Food intolerance symptoms are related primarily to the digestive system are will not cause reactions in any other part of the body.
Consideration
Both conditions are incurable but manageable through diet. Once your food intolerance or allergy is clinically diagnosed, your doctor will recommend the avoidance of certain foods. Do not change your diet without first talking with your doctor.
