A food allergy occurs when the body mistakenly believes that certain food proteins are harmful, and goes into overdrive trying to protect itself from the perceived threat. According to the Mayo Clinic, 6 to 8 percent of children and 3 to 4 percent of adults are allergic to one or more types of food. Understanding exactly what you are allergic to, how to avoid the allergen, and how to recognize and treat the symptoms are important steps in coping with a food allergy.
Most Common Offenders
You can be allergic to any food, but eight foods in particular are responsible for 90 percent of allergic reactions, according to KidsHealth. These foods are milk, eggs, peanuts, soy, wheat, tree nuts, fish and shellfish. Tree nuts include walnuts and cashews, and shellfish include crustaceans, such as shrimp and lobster, as well as mollusks, such as clams. Milk, egg, wheat and soy allergies are most common in children and are usually outgrown. Nut allergies, as well as fish and shellfish allergies, are usually not outgrown and affect adults as well as children.
Cross-Reactivity and Cross-Contamination
If you are allergic to one type of nut, you may have a cross-reaction when you eat another type of nut. Cross-reactions are also common within the shellfish families, but not between them. For example, if you are allergic to shrimp, you are likely to also be allergic to crab and lobster, but not to oysters and mussels.
Foods can also cause allergic reactions when they are contaminated with an allergen. If you are allergic to peanuts, for example, chocolate that does not contain peanuts but that is processed on the same equipment as candy containing peanuts can cause an allergic reaction.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a food allergy can range from a mild irritation to life-threatening anaphylactic shock. The most common symptoms are rashes, such as hives or eczema. You might also experience stomach upset, diarrhea, nasal congestion, coughing, and dizziness. Some foods can cause tingling or itching in the mouth. More severe symptoms, such as a swollen tongue or throat, trouble breathing, rapid pulse and a loss of consciousness can cause death. If you experience these symptoms, call 911 immediately.
Treatment
If you are severely allergic to a food, your doctor can prescribe an injection of epinephrine, called an epi-pen, to carry with you. If you experience the early symptoms of anaphylactic shock, you can give yourself the injection to ward off symptoms temporarily while waiting for emergency medical help to arrive. Mild symptoms can be treated with antihistamines. The best treatment for food allergies is to prevent exposure in the first place by reading food labels carefully and asking for a list of ingredients at restaurants. See an allergist for help in treating and coping with your allergy.
