What Is a Food Allergy Anyway?
This type of allergic reaction happens when the body initiates an immune system reaction to harmless food particles. Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies are released and as a result any future ingestion of the particular food causes the body to attack by releasing histamine, among other warfare chemicals. This allergic reaction is meant to protect the body but unfortunately wreaks havoc on respiratory, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal systems. The reaction can range from mild to severe and can send the body into anaphylactic shock. Once your body begins to go into shock, epinephrine must be administered to counteract the reaction; if not immediately treated the simple ingestion of allergenic food could result in fatality.
What Are The Symptoms?
Symptoms of allergic reaction can range from feelings of doom, a tingling sensation in the mouth or throat, vomiting, cramps, diarrhea, itching, hives, drop in blood pressure, swelling of mouth, throat, and face, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, and death. These symptoms can manifest immediately or hours afterwards.
Where Is The Panic Button?
There is yet to be a cure for food allergies. Strict abstinence from the foods you are or suspect you are allergic to is currently the only method to avoid having a reaction. However, if you do accidentally ingest food you are allergic to and begin to feel ill you can sometimes counteract the reaction by IMMEDIATELY taking liquid benadryl. Yes this means it is a VERY GOOD IDEA to carry a vial or bottle of benadryl with you AT ALL TIMES, as this has the potential to save your life or the life of a loved one. Keep extra bottles in your car or in your child's book-bag, etc. As an extra precaution ALWAYS carry an Epi-pen or two. Ask your allergist how many would be sufficient in case of an emergency. Epi-pens also known as epinephrine are an injectable form of adrenaline shot into the thigh. For more information on Epi-pens click on the following links:
http://www.epipen.com/
http://www.twinject.com
How Do I Avoid These Allergies?
In order to avoid a reaction, you will need to check all food labels and allergen warnings. Some people grow out of their food allergies, but don't expect this if you have severe allergies. Most people never grow out of their peanut/ nut & shellfish/ fish allergies. If you suspect you have allergies or suspect you have outgrown your old ones, see a qualified allergist to administer a scratch test or blood test (RAST or radioallergosorbent test). During the scratch test a small drop of the allergen is placed on skin and lightly pricked with a needle. A RAST test measures the IgE level of the patient’s blood when paired with certain foods.
Intolerance vs. Allergies
There is also the consideration you may have food intolerance rather than a food allergy, your allergist will assist you in finding answers. An allergy is the immune system over-reacting while intolerance is just a negative reaction to a certain food and does not involve the immune system. For example lactose intolerance is the inability to digest blood sugar and causes gastrointestinal symptoms but would never cause cardiovascular or respiratory symptoms.
Doomed To Never Eat At A Restaurant Again?
There are many sacrifices you will be required to make in order to avoid having allergic reactions. When dining at restaurants, request they tear the food label off the product in question and give it to you to read thoroughly for hidden allergens. It is hard to convince most restaurants of the severity of the situation and this tactic may not always work, however if you carry an allergy card with you at all times people will take you seriously; you will not have to explain the situation in grave detail every time you dine out. The chef card method is in no way foolproof, but it greatly increases the probability of manifesting a safe and easy dining experience.
