FOOD ALLERGY

Definition
Afood allergyoccurs when the bodys immune system sees a

certain food as harmful and reacts by causing symptoms. This is

anallergic reaction.
Foods that cause allergic reactions areallergens.
Even a tiny amount of the allergy-causing food can trigger signs
and symptoms such as digestive problems
It's easy to confuse a food allergy with a much more common
reaction known as food intolerance
food intolerance is a less serious condition that does not involve the
immune system.

Categories of food Allergies

There are two categories of food allergy

1.Immunoglobulin E (IgE) mediated:Symptoms result from

the bodys immune system making antibodies called

Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. These IgE antibodies react
with a certain food.

The IgE mediated food allergies most common in infants and

children are eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, soy and wheat.

The allergic reaction can involve the skin, mouth, eyes, lungs,
heart, gut and brain. Some of the symptoms can include:

Skin rash, itching, hives

Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
Shortness of breath, trouble breathing, wheezing
Stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea
Feeling like something awful is about to happen
Mild and severe symptoms can lead to a serious allergic
reaction calledanaphylaxis

 This reaction usually involves more than one part of the

body and can get worse fast. Anaphylaxis must receive
treatment right away because it can cause death.

Treat anaphylaxis with epinephrine. This medicine is safe

and comes in an easy-to-use device called an auto-injector.
You cant rely on antihistamines to treat anaphylaxis.

Having an IgE mediated allergy to one food can mean

individual is allergic to similar foods.

Anaphylaxis / Hives

 if an individual is allergic to cows milk, he or she may

also be allergic to goats and sheeps milk.

The reaction between different foods is calledcrossreactivity. This happens when proteins in one food are
similar to the proteins in another food.

Type 1 involves IgE antibodies, which attach to mucus membranes which release
histamine. Allergic reactions usually occur within 1 to 60 minutes. They cause
classic symptoms, such as: asthma, rhinitis, (running nose), eczema, hives, red
cheeks, etc. It is the most dangerous, and can be life threatening.

2. Non IgE mediated food Allergy:Most symptoms ofnon-IgE

mediated food allergiesinvolve the digestive tract. Symptoms

may be vomiting and diarrhea

The symptoms can take longer to develop and may last longer than
IgE mediated allergy symptoms

When an allergic reaction occurs with this type of allergy,

epinephrine is usually not needed

The best way to treat these allergies is to stay away from the food
that causes the reaction

The majority of food allergies are triggered by certain

proteins in:

Shellfish, such as shrimp, lobster and crab

Peanuts
Tree nuts, such as walnuts
Fish
Eggs

In children, food allergies are commonly triggered by

proteins in:

Eggs
Milk
Peanuts
Tree nuts
Wheat

Diagnosis Of Food Allergy

There's no standard test used to confirm or rule out a food allergy.
Description of symptoms

Be prepared to tell your doctor a history of your symptoms which

foods, and how much, seem to cause problems

Physical Examination

A careful exam can often identify or exclude other medical problems.

Food Diary

doctor may ask you to keep a food diary of your eating habits,
symptoms and medications to pinpoint the problem.

Cont
Skin Test:

A skin prick test can determine your reaction to a particular food

Elimination Diet

patient may be asked to eliminate suspect foods for a week or two and then
add the food items back into your diet one at a time. This process can help
link symptoms to specific foods. However, this isn't a fool proof method.
Blood Test
A blood test can measure your immune system's response to particular foods
by checking the amount of allergy-type antibodies in your bloodstream
known as immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.

Oral Food Challenge Test

During this test, done in the doctor's office, you'll be given

small but increasing amounts of the suspect food. If you
don't have a reaction during this test

Treatment
The only way to avoid an allergic reaction is to avoid the
foods that cause signs and symptoms

antihistamines may help reduce symptoms.

may need an emergency injection of epinephrine
Life style and home remedies
Probiotics Live microorganisms which when administered
in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host.

Food Intolerance

More common than allergies

Food poisoning
Histamine toxicity (cheese, wine, fish)
Lactose intolerance
Food additives (MSG)
Gluten intolerance (small intestine)
Corn products
True allergy avoid food (immune system)
Intolerance small amount is ok (digestive system)

Celiac Disease/Coeliac Disease

Celiac disease can affect genetically predisposed people of all ages, but
often begins in middle infancy

Symptoms include chronicdiarrhea, weight loss andfatigue, but in some

cases the disorder can be asymptomatic (no symptoms).

Celiac disease is caused by a reaction to gliadin - a gluten protein found

in wheat, barley, rye, and sometimes oats

heinflammationand destruction of the inner lining of the small intestine

in celiac disease is caused by an allergic reaction to gluten in the diet.

This chronic digestive disorder leads to the malabsorption of minerals

and nutrients.

Causes of food intolerance

Food intolerance may be caused by:
Enzyme deficiencies
Lactose intolerance
Food additives
Artificial coloring
Artificial flavoring
preservatives
Digestive diseases

Treatment of food intolerance

No treatment is available but to avoid the food
Alternate diet plan for individual