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Food allergy symptoms - what you should know

Food allergies, also known as hypersensitivity, effect between 1-2% of adults and can pose a real challenge for the sufferer. Though may people may have an intolerance for certain foods, a true food allergy is different. When an allergic person consumes an allergen, their immune system responds with a number of symptoms. The appearance of symptoms follows the digestive tract. The reaction may start with tingling or numbness in the lips and mouth, move downward to stomach cramping and digestive upset, then working through the blood stream can result in rashes or hives. The most serious form of reaction, called anaphylaxis, results in lowered blood pressure and swelling of the tongue and throat. This can stop airflow to the lungs and lead to death. In the US, there are an estimated 150 to 200 deaths a year caused by anaphylaxis. Because the primary treatment for food allergies is simply avoiding the allergen, one of the biggest challenges for the food allergy sufferer is detecting hidden allergens that are present in many processed foods. In the U.S., food labels are required to list the eight most common allergens in "plain language". These eight foods - milk, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, shellfish, fish and soy, make up ninety percent of the allergic reactions. The labeling requirement has been very helpful to food allergy sufferers, but even clear labeling is no guarantee of purity for the most severely allergic, due to the potential for cross-contamination in the manufacturing process. Cross-contamination occurs when the machines used to process an allergen-containing food then process a food that does not contain an allergen. Although the machinery has been cleaned, traces of the allergen can still be present and get into the food, leading to tragic results for an allergy sufferer. That is what makes living with food allergies difficult. Additionally, though labeling is required, some packaging is misleading in it's contents. For example, a product that is labeled "non-dairy" can still legally contain the milk protein casein, which is an allergen. Cross contamination can also occur after manufacturing. If a deli slices cheese on the same machine they use for meat, the meat can become cross contaminated with the milk proteins from the cheese. So what is a food allergy sufferer to do? The first course of action is to educate themselves on labeling practices. Knowing where to look in a label for allergen information is a good first step. Avoiding foods that are labeled with the allergen is the primary method of treatment, since there is no cure for food allergy. Next, the food allergy sufferer must learn about ingredients that could contain allergens. For example, milk protein can appear under many labels and milk protein allergy can be caused by casein and whey. Both products are used as additives in manufacturing, even for some meat and fish products. Finally, the food allergy sufferer must know how to recognize the signs and how to treat himself or herself in case of anaphylaxis. This includes carrying and knowing how to use an epinephrine injector. A medical alert bracelet or necklace should also be worn at all times. Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Allergies Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

About food allergies

Food allergies is one of the top three allergies most Americans suffer from The one allergy that is not diagnosed properly. A lot will say they suffer from food allergies when they actually are suffering from food intolerance. Let's discuss what food allergies are first, a person with food allergies produce IgE antibodies that are specific to epitopes in the food allergen. These reactions to the food can be deadly after the food is ingested. One of most popular food allergies suffered by most is being allergic to peanuts. Most food allergies a person will out grow in time, but having an allergic reaction to peanuts is usually not out grown. The best way to treat this is to stay away from the food you are allergic to. Have a doctor run special tests on you that will help you determine which foods you are allergic to and which foods you just have an intolerance to. There are different kinds of symptoms to food. These can include wheezing and having a hard time breathing. Some other symptoms can be itchy skin, hives, rashes, diarrhea, and swelling around the mouth and throat. These types of symptoms can start rather quickly after eating a certain type of food. Some people may even experience nasal symptoms that include runny nose or congestion; these may not be related to the food. Some more common food allergies are known as having food intolerance to certain food types. One very common reaction found in children in lactose intolerance. This happens when there is a deficiency of the enzyme lactase, which usually breaks down the sugar lactose. Children without this type of enzyme will develop symptoms after digesting food products. This is sometimes misunderstood as a food allergy when it is actually an intolerance to the food. How a person reacts to eating or drinking certain foods depends on the person and the severity of their allergy to that food product. Some people can react with deadly symptoms while others will have experience mild symptoms. It is important to know and understand if you are suffering from food allergies or food intolerance. If you feel you might have a food allergy contact your doctor right away with your symptoms and have tests run to make sure. The easiest and best way to avoid having a reaction to certain foods is to stay a way from them totally including foods that might contain the food byproduct you are allergic to. Laura Miller has always suffered from being lactose intolerant as well as her children, learn more about food allergies and other health issues at her site http://www.factsaboutyourhealth.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_J_Miller

Food allergy symptoms

Article by Kylie Hollonds : Food allergies symptoms can be so varied from person to person. Often you may only really have a food intolerance so you may be able to have limited amounts of a particular food or food group and not show any symptoms. Food allergies are often difficult to diagnose because the symptoms you are experiencing could be anything and generally more serious options are investigated first. However there are common complaints that people experience that could indicate food allergy symptoms. These complaints could be headaches, stomach pain, frequent constipation or diarrhoea, fatigue, mood swings, bloated stomach, cramps, general feeling of being unwell, always catching a cold (immune system is run down), sinus’ always blocked, excess mucus, general bad behaviour, especially noticeable in children. More severe or extreme food allergy symptoms can include extreme weight gain or loss, severe abdominal pain, autism, adhd, eczema, dermatitis, chronic fatigue, epilepsy, anaphylactic reactions or migraines. There can be many other complaints that people have experienced that could be linked back to a food allergy symptom for them. You may have heard the old saying “One man’s food can be another man’s poison”. This is so true. It makes sense that we all have different likes and dislikes why isn’t this the case with what is good for our bodies function may not be good for someone else. It makes sense that food is the cause of most of the complaints our bodies put out. If we put unleaded into a diesel car, it just don’t work. My advice would be if you have general feelings of being unwell ie. any of the less common symptoms listed above and most definitely any of the more severe reactions, do something about it. If you continue to ignore this it will not go away, I assure you. You will continue to elevate your histamine levels in your body which cause the body to be in a constant state of inflammation. Think of it like water dripping into a cup, if you do not stop the drip, eventually the glass will overflow. Then you have food allergy symptoms. If ignored over a long period of time this can manifest into a variety of allergies and intolerances to foods, chemicals, preservatives. Your body goes into what I call “crisis” and starts to react to almost anything you put into it. A simple bio-compatibility test done with a hair sample can indicate what foods you are reacting to without any discomfort, long waiting periods or expense. Kylie Hollonds www.wheatfree.com.au have some more information and solutions to help you get on track. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kylie_Hollonds Article by Willhelm Williams : Food allergies are becoming more common in people, especially in children. It is difficult with children to find out what they are allergic to and to know if they are having an allergic reaction to having eaten something. Children especially young children may not immediately tell you that something is wrong, that is why as a parent you need to be aware of the seven common food allergy symptoms. Common food allergy symptoms The seven symptoms are breathing and swallowing difficulties, stomach pain or cramping, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea as well as hives and possible asthmas attacks. These symptoms can occur hours after eating or within minutes depending on the allergy severity. People who suffer from food allergies and have such knowledge avoid foods that can cause the allergic reaction. This is not helpful to someone who has no idea they are allergic to a food. Of the 7 common food allergy symptoms, the number one on the list is difficulty breathing or swallowing. When this occurs, you grasp for air and if you have no medication or medical help immediately, you can suffocate and die. Many people, who have experienced an allergic reaction to say peanuts, carry medication to reverse the reaction in a matter of seconds. This is vital for people aware of their food allergy. If you do not know you have the allergy, you need medical attention right away. Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach cramps can subside after some time, although severe symptoms require medical attention. Continued vomiting can cause dehydration, which in turn can also lead to death if proper liquid intake is not maintained. The nausea feeling subsides after rest, but can continue as long as the food is still being digested. Food allergies are easily misdiagnosed Food allergies are often confused with gastrointestinal disorders, which results in people not knowing that they have a health problem other than a food allergy. Children and adults alike are prone to food allergies and cannot consume certain foods or beverages. Babies are sometime allergic to the formula they drink and often are given a soy product instead. The common food allergy symptoms also include hives and asthma. Hives appear if someone eats foods that they are allergic too. Some people are allergic to strawberries and after indulging with break out in hives. An anti-itching cream can be applied, but for severe cases, you may need medical treatment. The food allergy that causes hives can become severe and affect the lungs, which in turn may trigger an asthma attack. These attacks can be severe and can result in death if treatment is not received immediately. People who experience food allergy symptoms should seek medical advice to see if there is any cause for concern. Enjoy a more allergy free life by visiting AllergyAnswersGuide.com where you will find allergy related information, advice, tips and resources including allergy eye drops, allergy shots and yeast allergies. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Willhelm_Williams

Milk allergy symptoms

Milk allergies are a reality for millions of people. One major problem is that milk products and derivatives of milk are in so many of the food products we consume. It is very difficult to completely avoid milk products and byproducts as we go about or day to day life as food consumers. It is a very real problem for parents of children. Once they are out their sight treats like a caramel apple or milk chocolate can bring on an allergic reaction. Symptoms can manifest themselves in a variety of maladies. Vomiting, diarrhea, hives are three of the most common. Bloating, gas, watery eyes, skin rashes that can also include acne are among others. An asthmatic who also suffers from milk allergy can have complications with their asthma condition as a result or his or her allergy to milk. Another reaction is ear infections and hyperactivity, particularly in children. Minor milk allergy symptoms can go undiagnosed for years. As a result of ongoing research more information is being made available for those who suffer from milk allergies. Also more and better alternatives to milk are being made available. Milk allergy sufferers are denied this valuable source of calcium in their diet and more palatable alternatives are important in replacing milk and milk productes for the allergy sufferers. Soy products that were once ghastly are now quite delicious and soy milk itself is now do to improvements quite delicious and resemble milk quite well. Tofu is a great alternative to cheese. With products like these, milk allergy symptoms can easily be avoided. Take a short trip to your supermarket and you'll find plenty of alternative dairy products. No longer will you have to avoid the common foods that you like the most, easy alternatives can be used. One ingredient in milk is lactose, or milk sugar. Lactose intolerance is a type of milk allergy where the person experiencing the allergy is intolerant to the lactose in the milk itself An enzyme called lactase is responsible for breaking down lactose in the digestive process. It is estimated that up to seventy percent of the worlds population is lacking in this enzyme and some have none at all. This has caused problems in the past when international care packages of food relief were taken to countries on the African continent to fend off starvation and the milk products in the food was consumed by lactose intolerant people there. Avoidance is the most common treatment for milk allergies. But as I stated previously that can be difficult. Anything containing the word casein should be avoided. Careful screening of preprocessed food labels is a must. Beyond that there has been some buzz about energy based allergy treatments. Many people have claimed to have been completely cured of all symptoms of milk allergy after undergoing an energy based allergy treatment. Energy based allergy treatments are quick and are not long and ongoing. They are an entire topic in themselves so I can only brief you on the topic here. Article by Sven Ullmann, who runs Deserved Health - information on health for you and your family. Read more about milk allergy symptoms. Get our health newsletter. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sven_Ullman

Wheat allergy symptoms

People who suffer from a wheat allergy need to know what the wheat allergy symptoms to be aware of are as well as how to avoid them. A person who suffers from wheat allergies may experience chest pains, dizziness, vomiting or nausea, skin rash and bloating. Mood changes, arthritis, swelling of the tongue or the throat, eye irritation and coughing and a stuffy nose also are symptoms of a wheat allergy. The wheat allergy symptoms might also be a sign of some other medical condition. You should seek medical advice before self-diagnosing any of the symptoms you might have at the time. With so many symptoms to watch for if you suffer from a wheat allergy, you might not even consider that you have an allergy. Arthritis seems to be a concern for allergy suffers. One might wonder how a wheat allergy can cause such a medical condition. It has been said that the wheat products cause changes in the gut structure, which in turn promotes arthritic development in people who are prone to the disease. There are many studies being conducted to find more relevant information on the affects of wheat allergies and arthritis to further address the problem. What are the wheat allergy symptoms to be aware of that can cause more severe medical problems? The answer to this is the chest pains. Constant chest pains from a wheat allergy might be the wrong diagnosis as an allergy instead of a heart problem. This can be alarming and requires more of a professional diagnose. A doctor will more than likely order some tests to rule out heart conditions or allergies before advising you of a treatment. If you do have a wheat allergy that is causing the chest pains, you need to refrain from wheat and wheat by products to eliminate the pain. Wheat allergy symptoms can be mild to severe depending on your tolerance level to wheat. Many people have a low tolerance for wheat while others suffer from severe symptoms from a wheat allergy. One must also remember that if you have a low tolerance to wheat products you cannot just stop consuming wheat products and then a few years later start eating wheat products again. You will no longer have a low tolerance level, you will have an allergy to wheat. This is something every person has to consider when dealing with the wheat allergy problem. Don't know what you're allergic to? No problem learn more about allergies by visiting http://www.allergyanswersguide.com , allergy site that provides advice, resources, tips and information on allergy eye drops, allergies in children, dog for people with allergies and allergy filters. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Willhelm_Williams