Around 2 percent of adults and 4 to 8 percent of children have been diagnosed with some kind of allergy, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, although 1/4 of Americans believe they are allergic. You are more likely to have a food sensitivity or intolerance than a true allergy. You can also be allergic or sensitive to things in the environment, such as pollen, cigarette smoke or animal dander. While most allergic and intolerance reactions are mild, occasionally they can be severe or life-threatening.
Food Allergy
If you have a true allergy, it means that you have an immune reaction in response to exposure to something that your body perceives as a threat. The offending substance is called an allergen. Symptoms can include hives, swelling, nausea and vomiting, wheezing or trouble breathing, lightheadedness and tingling on the lips. If the allergy is severe, it can lead to anaphylactic shock, which includes swelling of the mouth and throat, blue lips and nails and unconsciousness. A reaction may occur from a very small exposure to the allergen, and can be life-threatening.
Food Intolerance
A food intolerance means that your body cannot digest certain foods well, or that you have a mild reaction to certain foods or additives. Many times, someone with a food intolerance can eat small amounts of the substance, or may be able to eat it in certain circumstances. For example, if you are lactose intolerant, you may be able to take enzymes that allow your body to digest the lactose. If you have asthma, you may be intolerant of certain additives, such as sulfites or MSG, as these may cause an asthma attack.
Environmental Allergies
You may be allergic or sensitive to pollen and other environmental substances. An allergy to substances in the air is often characterized by reddened eyes, sneezing, a runny nose and itching. Pet dander, cigarette smoke and other things in the environment can also cause coughing or breathing problems in susceptible individuals. Sometimes, strong odors or medications can cause similar symptoms, known as non-allergic rhinitis.
Treatments
An anaphylactic allergic reaction is a medical emergency. If you experience swelling in the mouth or throat and have trouble breathing, call 911. For an allergic reaction of this type, your doctor may give you an epi-pen, which is a medication that can be injected if you begin to have another similar reaction in the future. The best way to avoid problems if you have a food allergy is to avoid the allergen in the first place. Do this by asking about ingredients in all food you don't prepare yourself, and by reading labels carefully. Your doctor may recommend medications, such as antihistamines or decongestants, if you have an environmental allergy. Another option to discuss with your allergist is a regimen of allergy shots, which are designed to reduce your body's response to common allergens.
