The terms food allergy, food sensitivity and food intolerance are often used interchangeably, but they're not exactly the same. Food intolerance is a reaction to a food or group of foods, while a true allergy triggers an immune system response that can be life-threatening. Since the term “food sensitivity” may be used for either of these conditions, it’s important to understand the difference.
You may not realize it, but you probably see dry dehiscent fruits every day in your neighborhood, your local supermarket or even in your own kitchen. "Dry dehiscent" is simply a description of the way plants discharge...
Cosmetics, makeup and personal care products are not well regulated; thus, terms like "hypoallergenic," "unscented" and "natural" can mean little to nothing. Allergic reactions to cosmetics can therefore arise, ranging from ski...
Awareness of food allergies has grown significantly, in part because of campaigns to educate people and also because of food labeling laws. Also, the number of people, children especially, with food allergies has risen dramatic...
Black beans are most likely not the first food that comes to mind when you think about food allergies. Foods such as milk, fish and nuts are some of the most common foods that can trigger an allergic reaction in people. Althoug...
Carob is a seed commonly used as a substitute for chocolate. People who are allergic to chocolate are advised to use carob as an alternative, but if you develop adverse reactions after eating carob, you may be allergic to the c...
Allergies and sensitivities are not the same thing. Although many people commonly confuse the two, they are distinctly different. An allergen is any substance that causes the body to experience an immune system reaction that re...
The details of these allergies vary with the type of mineral ingested or applied. Hypersensitivity to various minerals is unusual, but there is still a risk of severe symptoms and complications, some of them life-threatening. S...
Identifying allergies in infants can be challenging because the symptoms are similar to that of the common cold, according to the Baby Center. Allergies are confirmed in infants by seeing a pediatrician. Common allergies in chi...
Dark circles under the eyes are a cosmetic condition you may work to cover with makeup, but they may also be caused by allergies. According to the Mayo Clinic, dark circles may be caused by heredity, sun exposure, age and aller...
However, adults that never had allergies as children can develop them in adulthood. Adult allergies have the same causes and symptoms as childhood allergies, but are not as likely to be identified, as they are commonly blamed o...
Diagnosing allergies from the common cold can be a difficult task. Many of the symptoms that develop when someone has an allergic reaction look very similar to the symptoms of the common cold, according to MayoClinic.com. Altho...
Allergies are a common issue in the United States, with more than 50 million people suffering from sneezing fits, hive breakouts and chronic nasal congestion, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology,...
It is an immune system reaction that occurs after consumption of a particular food. Even a trace of the food can trigger signs and symptoms of a reaction, such as digestive problems, hives, swollen airways and in severe cases, ...
Cosmetics are defined as topical applications in the form of creams, lotions, ointments or sprays that are meant to enhance the appearance, texture or quality of the skin. When an individual is allergic to their cosmetics, the ...
Because sinus issues are common symptoms of allergic reactions, it can be difficult to determine whether allergies or an infection is to blame for symptoms. Allergies affect more than 50 million people in the United States, acc...
Seasonal allergies affect more than 35 million Americans, states the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology. Symptoms consist of sneezing, stuffiness, runny nose, nasal itching, throat itching and eye or ear irritati...
Urticaria, more commonly known as hives, is an allergic skin condition characterized by extremely itchy, red wheals that range in size from tiny spots to plate-size welts. Hives can suddenly appear anywhere on the body and last...
The immune system overproduces chemicals and proteins that result in a variety of allergic reactions. The common symptoms of allergies in babies are scaly, itchy rashes, runny nose, wheezing, vomiting or diarrhea. Babies with a...
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, AAAAI, conducted a national study which found that one or more allergens afflict approximately 55 percent of U.S. citizens. A collective few of common allergens are respon...
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology estimates that 40 to 50 million Americans suffer from one or more allergic diseases. Most allergy sufferers' symptoms are mild, including cases of hives, rashes, nausea, sn...
There seems to be a heritable link among the types of allergy sufferers; however, researchers are unsure of the underlying genetic mechanisms and how they may one day be used in stopping allergies before they start. Fortunately...
As explained by information from the University of California in San Francisco (UCSF) Children's Hospital, infants and toddlers are more likely to develop allergy conditions because their digestive and immune systems are not ye...
The Mayo Clinic states that an allergic reaction occurs when a person's body does not recognize a particular substance such as pollen, pet dander or dust mites. The body releases antibodies and histamine to fight off the intrud...
An allergy is the immune systems response to a substance known as an allergen. A national study reported by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) claims that one of more allergens affects 54.6 percent ...
An allergy is an immune system reaction to an environmental substance called an allergen. Common allergies are caused by airborne or food allergens. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) reports an e...
Allergies are a form of irritation that you experience when your body overreacts to substances that most people would not. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, more than 50 percent of Americans ...
"An allergy starts when the immune system mistakes a normally harmless substance for a dangerous invader," explains the Mayo Clinic. While people often prove allergic to all kinds of things, there are numerous allergens that co...
It can be difficult to figure out if you are suffering from allergies, what triggers your allergic reaction, and how to manage your environment to minimize exposure to your allergic triggers. Fortunately, there are plenty of bo...
Many homes have allergens that can affect people with asthma and allergies. People have to do the best they can to control the air quality in their homes when a family member suffers from allergies. It usually takes regular cle...
People with overly sensitive immune systems develop a number of symptoms (rash, hives, nasal congestion, itching, runny nose, breathing problems, headache) in response to various allergens. A number of common allergies affect h...
According to Medicalnewstoday.com, the United States had more than 60 million seasonal allergy sufferers as of fall 2009. For these people, fall is one of the toughest times of the year thanks to a handful of culprits that can ...
The first step in diagnosing allergies is for the physician to perform a physical, taking note of allergy signs and symptoms as well as the times and places an allergic reaction took place. According to the Mayo Clinic, the doc...
Allergies are discovered when the body reacts negatively with symptoms to any number of ingredients that are common in most environments and don't trouble most people The American Academy of Family Physicians reports that when ...
Though asthma is common in all age groups, one third of cases involve children under 10 years old. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing and breathlessness. Attacks can be brought on by pollen, cigarette smoke, dander, fungi and...