How to Live with Food Allergies Articles | Allergies

By: Allergies Web

These days, people who suffer from food allergies need not worry so much when it comes to eating. With the rise in the incidences of food allergies all over the world, there are various types of food substitutes available today, which are especially meant for people who can not tolerate certain types of food.  

Though living with food allergies has been made less problematic, some situations can still be extremely dangerous, depending on the severity of the allergic symptoms. There are many for whom any contact with a possible food allergen, like pea nuts or even pea nut may make them fall sick, even die. What are the most common foods which may cause allergy? These include some very simple foods like:

• All varieties of nuts

• Seafood, such as shrimp

• Milk, particularly cow’s milk

• Eggs

• Soy

• Wheat

What is it in these foods, which bring about allergic reactions for some people only, leaving the rest of us comfortable? At the outset it is important to remember that food allergies happen to people who have a dysfunctional immune system. Usually, it is our immune system which protects us from being attacked by virus or infection, by producing antibodies which fight with these bacteria. People who are allergic to some foods, have an immune system which treats all these allergen foods like a disease attack and tries to fight it, which makes the bodies react in a negative manner. Some of the common allergic reactions are itchy eyes and running nose during spring, when the air contains a lot of pollen. There are more severe forms of allergic reactions also, which are caused by intake of some types of food.

When you eat some types of food, against which you might have allergic reactions, the body immediately releases some chemicals, including histamine into the blood stream. This is the body’s natural reaction to fight the allergens. This in turn can cause your skin, respiratory or digestive system to react in different ways, like a running rose or an upset stomach. The reactions can also get very serious, when you have problems in breathing and your throat chokes. There are other signs of an allergic reaction also, and these include:

• Tightness in the throat

• Hoarse voice

• Wheezing

• Tingling sensation of your tongue or lips

• Cough

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Stomach pain

• Diarrhea

When the allergic reaction gets really serious, it can even cause anaphylaxis (say: ah-nuh-fuh-lak-sis), which is nothing but a sudden drop in blood pressure accompanied by a swollen tongue and constrictions on the breathing mechanisms. People who are prone to such serious allergic reactions need to be extra cautious with their food habits and should always remain prepared for any emergency situation.

There are many children who have food allergies when they are young but they gradually outgrow these allergies, especially to milk and eggs as they grow up. However allergies to certain types of foods like peanuts, some types of fish and shrimps may be life long.

It is unfortunate that there is no permanent cure for food allergies. The only way left is to prevent it from attacking you. To do this, you have to avoid the foods which bring about such reactions, which can prove to be life-threatening too.

One of the ways you could avoid these foods is to read the labels carefully. The common food allergens are usually printed in bold on the labeling information. Look for them in the list of ingredients.

Sometimes it so happens that despite being careful, you might land up eating the wrong type of food. In such cases, try and remain calm and follow the emergency rescue plan, which should be prepared beforehand, in consultation with your doctor. This is particularly important if your food allergy is liable to cause anaphylaxis. It is a good idea, to keep a shot of epinephrine, also called Epi-Pen, with you at all times, just in case anything untoward should happen. Needless to mention, even after self-injection, a visit to the hospital is necessary to ensure that your reactions are under control.

Being allergic to foods can be both inconvenient as well as annoying. You can however take these preventive steps to avoid falling under its attack:

• All food labels must be read carefully.

• In case some foods contain ingredients you are not too sure of it is best to avoid the intake of such foods.

• Carry a shot of Epi-Pen or any kind of anti-histamine with you all the time.

• You must seek medical assistance, as soon as you see the early signs of any allergic reaction coming up.