Food Allergies
I have attached a few blurbs about food allergies and the corresponding links for you to read more...I hope this is helpful!
What is a Food Allergy?
The job of the body’s immune system is to identify and destroy germs (such as bacteria or viruses) that make you sick. A food allergy results when the immune system mistakenly targets a harmless food protein – an allergen – as a threat and attacks it. Unlike other types of food disorders, such as intolerances, food allergies are “IgE mediated.” This means that your immune system produces abnormally large amounts of an antibody called immunoglobulin E — IgE for short. IgE antibodies fight the “enemy” food allergens by releasing histamine and other chemicals, which trigger the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
More info: http://www.foodallergy.org/about-food-allergies
Symptoms
An allergic reaction to food can affect the skin, the gastrointestinal tract, the respiratory tract, and, in the most serious cases, the cardiovascular system. Reactions can range from mild to severe, including the potentially life-threatening condition known as anaphylaxis. In the U.S., food allergy symptoms send someone to the emergency room every three minutes.
Symptoms typically appear within minutes to several hours after eating the food to which you are allergic.
More info: http://www.foodallergy.org/symptoms
About Anaphylaxis
If you believe that you or your family member may be experiencing anaphylaxis – a severe, potentially fatal allergic reaction – administer the epinephrine auto-injector prescribed to the individual immediately and call 911.
More info: http://www.foodallergy.org/anaphylaxis
Diagnosis & Testing
Suspected food allergies should always be evaluated, diagnosed, and treated by a qualified medical professional, such as a board-certified allergist. Your primary care doctor may refer you to an allergist.
More info: http://www.foodallergy.org/diagnosis-and-testing
Treatment & Managing Reactions
Currently, the only way to prevent a food-allergic reaction is to avoid the problem food.
More info: http://www.foodallergy.org/treating-an-allergic-reaction
Tips for Managing Food Allergies
To successfully manage your food allergy, you’ll have to change your diet and lifestyle. These changes may seem overwhelming at first, but things will get easier over time.
More info: http://www.foodallergy.org/tips-for-managing-food-allergies