Food Allergy Symptoms
Food allergy symptoms can vary widely from person to person. As you may already know, food allergy is an abnormal reaction to certain food types which then creates a response from the immune system. The reaction that the immune system generates usually causes uncomfortable symptoms.
Food allergens (the particles that cause allergic reactions) are proteins that can withstand the high temperatures of cooking as well as exposure to the acidic substances and enzymes of the gastrointestinal system. These allergens consequently pass through the linings of the gastrointestinal tract, disperse into the blood circulatory system, and travel to various organs, which results in different allergic symptoms in the body.
Food allergy symptoms commonly include irritation of the skin which may involve hives, eczema, or a simple rash. Other symptoms may be gastrointestinal disorders like vomiting, indigestion, diarrhea, stomach aches, and nausea. In very extreme cases such as severe nut allergies there can be a kind of toxic shock which results in death if not quickly treated. Over the years, there have been numerous documented allergic reactions seen in a lot of people. Their symptoms include many which we may not always notice:
- insomnia or sleeping disturbances
- fatigue
- moodiness
- heartburn
- constipation
- symptoms that resemble arthritis
- nocturnal enuresis or bed wetting
- canker sores
- inflammation of the face and lips
- migraine
- rhinitis
- wheezing
Sometimes, allergic reactions to a specific food can also generate a specific symptom. So there are some symptoms that indicate a certain type of food allergy which can then be quite useful in figuring out what medications to administer and formulating a management plan. In other words, it is sometimes possible to determine the source of the allergy by evaluating the symptoms.
Simple headaches can be symptoms of an allergic reaction to chocolate and wheat. Migraines, on the other hand, are more typically caused by allergy to cheese, nuts, citrus fruits, tomatoes, milk, eggs, and MSG or monosodium glutamate.
Eczema or atopic dermatitis, which is a swelling and drying of the skin, appears in allergies to citrus fruits, eggs, and tomatoes. Hives or urticaria is another form of skin irritation which is represented by reddish elevated skin welts. Hives can be very itchy. This allergic reaction is common with tomatoes, eggs, shellfish, mangoes, pork meat, nuts, and strawberries.
Asthma is commonly seen in wheat and egg allergies.
There are also allergy symptoms that affect the physical energy, mental state, and emotions of a person. These reactions are often seen in allergies to wheat, soybeans, corn, and milk.
As you can see from the above list, many types of foods share the same symptoms most of the time. Also, the connection of a symptom with a particular food can vary from person to person. It is only an indication. Further analysis is required and you should consult your health professional for an assessment and blood tests, plus ideas for diet eliminations, and food challenges. When you see the health professional, if you can show a record of your daily food intake and food allergy symptoms this can be of great help in pinpointing the culprit allergen.
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