Food allergies are a widespread phenomenon not thoroughly understood. Food allergies can develop slowly or quickly, last for a short period of time or many years and lead to mild symptoms or be life threatening. Food allergies are highly variable in presentation and can involve many diverse kinds of food, such as shellfish, peanuts and strawberries. One of the complications attributed to allergic reactions is pancreatitis. Consult with your doctor about testing for food allergies and methods of controlling inflammation.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas, a glandular organ in your abdomen that makes insulin and digestive enzymes. Insulin is essential for blood glucose control and enzymes are needed to metabolize food so it can be absorbed. Pancreatitis can be acute and occur suddenly or develop slowly and become chronic. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, both acute and chronic forms of pancreatitis involve bleeding and severe pain and increase your risk of developing diabetes and nutritional deficiencies. If not properly treated, pancreatitis can lead to diverse internal bleeding and become life threatening.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of pancreatitis include severe, sharp abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, increased heart and breathing rates, sweating, loss of appetite, weight loss, abnormal blood glucose levels and fatty or oily feces, according to the book “Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine.” Alcoholism, gallstones and drug toxicity are common causes of pancreatitis, although allergic reactions to certain foods can also trigger inflammation in your pancreas. Consult with your doctor if you experience severe abdominal pain after experiencing an allergic reaction.
Food Allergies
Food allergies typically lead to skin rashes and swelling of the face, mouth and throat, but your pancreas and other internal organs may be affected also. According to a French study published in a 1990 edition of the journal “Pancreas,” foods such as beef, milk, potato, fish and eggs led to a few cases of acute recurrent pancreatitis that lasted between eight and 10 years. The researchers noted these foods were common dietary allergens and concluded that food allergies could be a rare cause of pancreatitis.
Cautions
Whether you are allergic to alcohol or not, moderate to heavy consumption of wine, beer or liquor increases your risk of pancreatitis, among many other problems. Ask your doctor about appropriate levels of alcohol consumption and which varieties offer the most health benefits.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Pancreatitis
- Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine; A. Fauci, et al.
- Pancreas: Is Food Allergy a Cause of Acute Pancreatitis?
