Food allergies among children has risen over 50% in the last several years, so more and more parents are having to educate themselves on food allergies. But with so much information out there to wade through, it can be hard to get just the facts. Look no further. Here’s everything you need to know about food allergies.
What is a food allergy?
A food allergy is the immune system’s overreaction to a protein found in a particular food. Symptoms can occur with exposure to even a tiny amount of the allergen. Food allergies differ from food intolerances, which are food sensitivity. For instance, lactose intolerance is sensitivity to sugars in dairy that causes gastrointestinal distress, but is not an allergic reaction to dairy proteins. Eight foods are responsible for the majority of food allergies: cow’s milk, eggs, fish, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts and wheat.
Who gets food allergies?
While food allergies are normally detected in young children, they can also appear in older children and adults. Because food allergies are diagnosed so young, some children end up growing out of their allergy. More than 40% of milk allergies resolve by the time a child is 8.
What are symptoms of food allergies?
An allergic reaction normally occurs within minutes of eating the trigger food. Symptoms can include hives, itchy skin, itchy nose and eyes, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and anaphylaxis.
How do I know if I have a food allergy?
Easy: if you have any of the above reactions after eating a food, consult an allergist. The allergist can run tests to find out what is causing you problems.
Evan Hopkins is a 24 year old writer operating out of Atlanta, GA. When he isn’t writing, he enjoys reading books, drinking coffee, and folk music.