Mild reactions to food proteins are fairly common, says MayoClinic.com's Dr. James T. C. Li. Most reactions of this type are caused by food intolerances, and might cause a rash, diarrhea or constipation. If you have an allergy to a food protein, you may be at risk of developing a severe anaphylactic reaction, even if you have only had mild reactions in the past. Any allergic reaction to a food should be brought to the attention of your physician.
Common Allergens
Most food allergens cause only mild to moderate symptoms, but sometimes foods can cause severe allergic reactions. The most common food that causes severe reactions in those sensitive is peanuts, followed by other tree nuts. Other common culprits include cow's milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, soy and wheat. These foods are responsible for about 90 percent of allergic reactions, explains the Food and Drug Administration, and may be present in products that you might not expect. For example, milk protein may be part of some bath products, and wheat is often a hidden ingredient in soy sauce. Other foods can also cause severe reactions.
Anaphylactic Reactions
The most severe type of allergic reaction is anaphylaxis. This type of reaction usually involves several systems of the body and can be life-threatening. What seems like a mild reaction can rapidly escalate into a dangerous situation, so it is important to be aware of the symptoms of anaphylaxis. These include wheezing, trouble breathing, swollen lips, tongue or throat, difficulty swallowing, hives, vomiting, fainting and heart palpitations. A medical examination may detect low blood pressure, fluid in the lungs and an abnormal heartbeat. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency.
Treatment
If you suspect that you may be having an anaphylactic reaction to a food protein, call 911 immediately for lifesaving medical care. If you have never had such a reaction before, you should see an allergist as soon as possible to determine exactly what proteins you are allergic to. Your allergist may give you an epi-pen, which is an injectable form of epinephrine. Carry your epi-pen on your body all the time to use in case of emergency. If you have these symptoms again, use your epi-pen as directed, then call 911. Epinephrine can reduce your symptoms temporarily, but you will still require emergency medical care, because symptoms can recur after several hours.
Avoidance
The Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 requires food manufacturers to label foods containing any of the eight most common food allergens. Read labels carefully to see whether they contain the food to which you are allergic. When dining out, speak to the manager or chef about your allergy and how to avoid cross-contamination. Wear a medical alert bracelet describing your allergy if you are prone to anaphylactic reactions. This will help paramedics determine the appropriate emergency treatment if you must be transported to the hospital and cannot communicate the problem.
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