Food allergy /anaphylaxis

Transcription

1 Food allergy /anaphylaxis A food allergy or hypersensitivity is an abnormal response to a food that is triggered by the immune system. Allergic reactions are often mild, but can be sometimes very dangerous. Food allergy is defined as an immune system reaction that occurs soon after eating a certain food. Even a tiny amount of the allergy causing food can trigger signs and symptoms such as digestive problems, hives or swollen airways. In some people, these reactions can cause severe symptoms or even a life-threatening reaction called Anaphylaxis. A food allergy is caused when our immune system mistakenly treats harmless proteins in the food as a threat. It releases a number of chemicals, which then leads to an allergic reaction. Immunoglobulin plays a vital role in preventing entry of antigens or harmful agents like bacteria and viruses to our body. Immunoglobulin or antibodies are large Y shaped proteins produced by the plasma cell of human body. These antibodies identify and neutralize pathogens. In the most common type of food allergy, an antibody known as Immunoglobulin E (IgE) mistakenly treats a specific protein found in a food as antigen. This complex reaction between antigen and IgE can be results in the release of certain chemicals. The major one being is Histamine. Histamine is an amine produced as a result of local immune response to cause inflammation. Histamine is also a chemical naturally occurs in certain foods. Histamine is responsible for the common allergic symptoms like sneezing, itching and swelling reactions. Histamine causes, small blood vessels to expand and the surrounding skin cells to become red and swell up, affects nerves in the skin, leads to itchiness Increase the amount of mucus in nose lining, which causes itching and a burning sensation. In most food allergies, the release of histamine is limited to certain parts of the body, such as your mouth, throat or skin.

2 In anaphylaxis, the immune system goes into overdrive and releases excess amounts of histamine and many other chemicals into the blood. This causes the wide range of symptoms associated with anaphylaxis. Food allergy and food intolerance myths: Food allergy and Food intolerance are quite different things. Food intolerance, or Non-allergic food hypersensitivity, is a detrimental reaction often delayed to a food, beverage, food additive, or compound found in foods that produces symptoms in one or more body organs and systems. Eg; lactose intolerance in infants by the absence of lactase enzyme. Foods: The most common allergic foods, also known as Big Eights, are: 1. Eggs 2. Fish 3. Milk 4. Nuts from trees (almonds, hazel nuts etc) 5. Peanuts 6. Shellfish 7. Soya 8. Wheat

3 In children the foods commonly cause allergic reactions are milk, eggs, soya and wheat. Among adults, the common causes are peanut, tree nuts, fish and shellfish. For most people, celebrations are fun events. But for parents of food allergic children or even adults, activities involving food can be filled with worry. Symptoms: Symptoms may appear within minutes to several hours after eating the food to which you are allergic. Symptoms may be either mild or severe. Mild symptoms: Hives (reddish or swollen areas in the skin)

4 Eczema (a persistent dry, itchy rash) Redness of the skin around the eyes Itchy mouth or ear canal Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea Stomach pain Runny nose Sneezing Slight, dry cough Odd taste in mouth Uterine contraction Severe symptoms may include; Obstructive swelling of the lips, tongue or throat Trouble swallowing Inability to breath or wheezing Turning blue Drop in blood pressure (faint, weak, passing out) Unconscious Chest pain Thread pulse or weak Treatments: The symptoms and allergic reactions vary from person to person. The best treatment is to avoid the food that causes the allergy. When that is not possible, use medications such as antihistamines. Healthy tips to cure food allergy Always ask about ingredients when eating at restaurants or when you are eating foods prepared at home. Read food labels carefully for enlisted food allergens

5 Carry and know how to use auto-injectable epinephrine and antihistamines to treat emergency reactions. Teach family members and your besties how to use the injection.