Food allergy
Food Allergy
Food allergy (pronunciation: /fuːd ˈælərdʒi/) is a hypersensitivity reaction of the immune system to certain foods.
Etymology
The term "allergy" is derived from the Greek words "allos" meaning different and "ergon" meaning work. The term was first used in 1906 to describe an "altered reaction" to a substance. The term "food allergy" was later coined to describe an adverse immune response to food proteins.
Definition
A food allergy is an abnormal immune response triggered by the consumption, inhalation, or skin contact with certain foods. The most common food allergens are proteins found in milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, seafood, shellfish, soy, and wheat. These foods account for about 90% of all food allergies.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a food allergy can range from mild to severe and can include itching, hives, swelling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, wheezing, and anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of a food allergy is typically made through a combination of patient history, skin prick test, blood test, and oral food challenge.
Treatment
There is currently no cure for food allergies. The main treatment for food allergies is avoidance of the allergenic food. In the case of accidental ingestion, antihistamines and epinephrine may be used to manage symptoms.
Related Terms
- Allergen: A substance that causes an allergic reaction.
- Anaphylaxis: A severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.
- Antihistamine: A type of medication that blocks the action of histamines, substances in the body that cause allergic symptoms.
- Epinephrine: A medication used to treat severe allergic reactions.
- Hypersensitivity: An exaggerated or inappropriate immune response.
- Immune system: The body's defense system against infections and diseases.
- Oral food challenge: A medical procedure used to diagnose food allergies.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Food allergy
- Wikipedia's article - Food allergy
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