Food allergy: Difference between revisions
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{{SI}} | |||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Food allergy | |||
| image = [[File:Hives_on_back.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = [[Hives]] on the back, a common symptom of food allergy | |||
| field = [[Allergy and immunology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Hives]], [[itching]], [[swelling]], [[anaphylaxis]] | |||
| onset = Minutes to hours after exposure | |||
| duration = Variable, can be chronic | |||
| causes = [[Immune system]] reaction to certain [[foods]] | |||
| risks = [[Family history]], other [[allergies]], [[asthma]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Medical history]], [[skin prick test]], [[blood test]] | |||
| differential = [[Food intolerance]], [[celiac disease]], [[lactose intolerance]] | |||
| prevention = Avoidance of trigger foods | |||
| treatment = [[Antihistamines]], [[epinephrine]] | |||
| frequency = Affects 6-8% of children, 3-4% of adults | |||
| deaths = Approximately 150-200 per year in the United States | |||
}} | |||
'''Food allergy''' is a [[immune system|immune system response]] that occurs soon after eating a certain food. Even a tiny amount of the allergy-causing food can trigger signs and symptoms such as digestive problems, hives or swollen airways. In some people, a food allergy can cause severe symptoms or even a life-threatening reaction known as [[anaphylaxis]]. | '''Food allergy''' is a [[immune system|immune system response]] that occurs soon after eating a certain food. Even a tiny amount of the allergy-causing food can trigger signs and symptoms such as digestive problems, hives or swollen airways. In some people, a food allergy can cause severe symptoms or even a life-threatening reaction known as [[anaphylaxis]]. | ||
[[File:Navigating Food Allergies and Intolerances Causes and Symptoms.jpg|500px|left|thumb|Navigating Food Allergies and Intolerances Causes and Symptoms]] | |||
[[File:Navigating Food Allergies and Intolerances Causes and Symptoms.jpg|500px|thumb|Navigating Food Allergies and Intolerances Causes and Symptoms]] | |||
==Symptoms== | ==Symptoms== | ||
Food allergy symptoms usually develop within a few minutes to two hours after eating the offending food. The most common food allergy signs and symptoms include: | Food allergy symptoms usually develop within a few minutes to two hours after eating the offending food. The most common food allergy signs and symptoms include: | ||
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* [[Abdominal pain]], diarrhea, nausea or vomiting | * [[Abdominal pain]], diarrhea, nausea or vomiting | ||
* [[Dizziness]], lightheadedness or fainting | * [[Dizziness]], lightheadedness or fainting | ||
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title='''{{PAGENAME}}''' | title='''{{PAGENAME}}''' | ||
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height=600 | height=600 | ||
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==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
Food allergies occur when the immune system identifies a certain food as harmful and reacts by producing antibodies known as [[Immunoglobulin E]] (IgE). These antibodies travel to cells that release chemicals, causing an allergic reaction. This reaction can occur systemically (affecting the whole body), or it may be localized to a specific organ or tissue. | Food allergies occur when the immune system identifies a certain food as harmful and reacts by producing antibodies known as [[Immunoglobulin E]] (IgE). These antibodies travel to cells that release chemicals, causing an allergic reaction. This reaction can occur systemically (affecting the whole body), or it may be localized to a specific organ or tissue. | ||
==Risk Factors== | ==Risk Factors== | ||
While anyone can have a reaction to certain foods, food allergies are more common in people with a family history of allergies or [[asthma]], in children, and in people with [[atopic dermatitis]]. | While anyone can have a reaction to certain foods, food allergies are more common in people with a family history of allergies or [[asthma]], in children, and in people with [[atopic dermatitis]]. | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to identify and avoid foods that trigger it. For some people, this is a mere inconvenience, but others find it a greater hardship. Also, some foods | The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to identify and avoid foods that trigger it. For some people, this is a mere inconvenience, but others find it a greater hardship. Also, some foods — when used as ingredients in certain dishes — may be well-hidden. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
The only way to avoid an allergic reaction is to avoid the foods that cause signs and symptoms. However, despite your best efforts, if you accidentally eat a food that causes an allergic reaction, medications such as [[antihistamines]] may reduce your symptoms. | The only way to avoid an allergic reaction is to avoid the foods that cause signs and symptoms. However, despite your best efforts, if you accidentally eat a food that causes an allergic reaction, medications such as [[antihistamines]] may reduce your symptoms. | ||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
* [[Anaphylaxis]] | * [[Anaphylaxis]] | ||
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* [[Asthma]] | * [[Asthma]] | ||
* [[Atopic dermatitis]] | * [[Atopic dermatitis]] | ||
[[Category:Medical Conditions]] | [[Category:Medical Conditions]] | ||
[[Category:Allergies]] | [[Category:Allergies]] | ||
[[Category:Immunology]] | [[Category:Immunology]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 18:29, 6 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics
| Food allergy | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Hives, itching, swelling, anaphylaxis |
| Complications | N/A |
| Onset | Minutes to hours after exposure |
| Duration | Variable, can be chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Immune system reaction to certain foods |
| Risks | Family history, other allergies, asthma |
| Diagnosis | Medical history, skin prick test, blood test |
| Differential diagnosis | Food intolerance, celiac disease, lactose intolerance |
| Prevention | Avoidance of trigger foods |
| Treatment | Antihistamines, epinephrine |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Affects 6-8% of children, 3-4% of adults |
| Deaths | Approximately 150-200 per year in the United States |
Food allergy is a immune system response that occurs soon after eating a certain food. Even a tiny amount of the allergy-causing food can trigger signs and symptoms such as digestive problems, hives or swollen airways. In some people, a food allergy can cause severe symptoms or even a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis.
Symptoms[edit]
Food allergy symptoms usually develop within a few minutes to two hours after eating the offending food. The most common food allergy signs and symptoms include:
- Tingling or itching in the mouth
- Hives, itching or eczema
- Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat or other parts of the body
- Wheezing, nasal congestion or trouble breathing
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
Causes[edit]
Food allergies occur when the immune system identifies a certain food as harmful and reacts by producing antibodies known as Immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies travel to cells that release chemicals, causing an allergic reaction. This reaction can occur systemically (affecting the whole body), or it may be localized to a specific organ or tissue.
Risk Factors[edit]
While anyone can have a reaction to certain foods, food allergies are more common in people with a family history of allergies or asthma, in children, and in people with atopic dermatitis.
Prevention[edit]
The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to identify and avoid foods that trigger it. For some people, this is a mere inconvenience, but others find it a greater hardship. Also, some foods — when used as ingredients in certain dishes — may be well-hidden.
Treatment[edit]
The only way to avoid an allergic reaction is to avoid the foods that cause signs and symptoms. However, despite your best efforts, if you accidentally eat a food that causes an allergic reaction, medications such as antihistamines may reduce your symptoms.
