Food Allergies: Behind the Reaction

Food allergies have been a growing concern for many people in the world, creating limits on the foods people can eat and be exposed to. Food allergies come with a range of severity causing symptoms like itchy skin to death. Approximately 220 million people worldwide suffer from a type of food allergy. Read the following blog to learn more about how and why the body reacts so aggressively to certain foods.

What is a Food Allergy?

A food allergy is when the body’s immune system reacts differently, and typically more aggressively, to a specific food. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing. In serious cases, an allergic reaction can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. In the United States, the nine most common food allergens are milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, shellfish and sesame. **This is different from a food intolerance. Symptoms of food intolerance are not life threatening and commonly consist of bloating and gas. The immune system does not react severely to these intolerances.

What Causes a Food Allergy?

A food allergy can develop when a person eats, touches, or inhales a protein in food called an allergen. An allergen is a substance that can cause an allergic reaction. The immune system makes a type of antibody against the allergen called IgE. Copies of this IgE antibody move through the blood and attach to two kinds of cells in the immune system. When a person with IgE antibodies is exposed to the same food allergen again, the allergen binds to the antibodies attached to the immune cells. This binding tells the cells to release large amounts of chemicals. The chemicals cause different symptoms depending on the tissue where they are released. Foods like milk, eggs, soy, wheat, peanuts, and fish are high in IgE. This is the reason that most people with allergies are sensitive to these foods. Allergies are also said to be hereditary and are typically more common in children.

Types of Food Allergies

There are two main types of food allergies that root from the IgE. These main kinds of food allergies are the IgE-meditated food allergy and the Non-IgE-meditated food allergy:

·      IgE-Mediated Food Allergy – this is the most common type of food allergy, triggered by the immune system producing an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE). Symptoms occur a few seconds or minutes after eating. There’s a greater risk of anaphylaxis with this type of allergy.

·     Non-IgE-Mediated Food Allergy – These allergic reactions aren’t caused by IgE, but by other cells in the immune system. This type of allergy is often difficult to diagnose as symptoms take much longer to develop (up to several hours).

Food Allergy Symptoms

The symptoms of allergic reactions range from mild to severe depending on the person. The most common food allergy symptoms include:

·      Tingling or itching in the mouth- This is also called an oral allergy and typically occurs during or moments after eating a certain food.

·      Hives and itching on the body- When exposed to a food that causes an allergy, the body will release histamine and other chemicals in the blood. These chemicals cause hives and swelling in the body

·      Swelling of the lips, face, or tongue- This is also known as Angioedema, the sudden swelling of a part of the body. This can impact breathing and must be taken care of.

·      Stomach pain or vomiting- This is commonly known as gastroenteritis, which directly affects the intestines. Some symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, headaches, muscle aches and fever.

·      Being dizzy and lightheaded- Allergies can cause inflammation and a build-up of mucus in the ears that can lead to dizziness and being lightheaded.

There are different symptoms for people who suffer from anaphylaxis, a severe life-threatening allergic reaction. For this kind of allergic reaction, medical treatment is critical. The most common signs to look for include:

·      Constriction and tightening of the airways

·      A swollen throat or the sensation of a lump in your throat that makes it hard to breathe

·      Shock with a severe drop in blood pressure

·      Rapid pulse

·      Dizziness, lightheadedness or loss of consciousness

Cures and Solutions to Food Allergies

There are no known cures for allergies, however there are medications that can help restrict the symptoms from being as bad.

·      Nasal corticosteroids are nasal sprays that reduce swelling in the nose. This is typically not used for food but for pollen or for someone who has pets.

·      Antihistamines are used to block histamine swelling. They come as pills, liquids, or tablets to limit the hives caused by allergic reactions.

·      Epipen is used in emergencies to treat very serious allergic reactions to insect stings/bites, foods, drugs, or other substances. 0.3 mg epinephrine, 1.8 mg sodium chloride, 0.5 mg sodium metabisulfite, hydrochloric acid to adjust pH, and water are in an epipen. The epinephrine works quickly to improve breathing, stimulate the heart, raise a dropping blood pressure, reverse hives, and reduce swelling of the face, lips, and throat. Most people with severe allergies have an epipen with them in case of emergencies.

As people with allergies age, allergies can dissipate, however it is possible for new ones to develop. It is more common for children to outgrow their allergies, a study done by Mayo Clinic shows that an estimated 60-80% of children outgrow their milk/egg allergies.

Citations:

Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Food Allergy.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 30 Aug. 2024, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20355095

Researchers, Food Allergy. “What Is a Food Allergy?” FoodAllergy.Org, 2024,

https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/what-food-allergy

AAFA. “Allergy Treatments.” Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America, 16 July 2024, https://aafa.org/allergies/allergy-treatments/

Inform, NHS. “Food Allergy - Illnesses and Conditions | NHS INFORM.” FoodAllergy.Org, 7 Jan. 2025, https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/nutritional/food-allergy/#:~:text=A%20food%20allergy%20is%20when,the%20mouth%2C%20throat%20or%20ears