-Deva Narayan

Food allergies are becoming more and more common, affecting millions of people worldwide, old and young alike. Food allergies happen when our immune system wrongly identifies a protein found in food as something harmful. To fight off the “harmful” protein, our immune system causes an allergic reaction to occur – like a runny nose or hives.

You can develop a food allergy at any age, but they are more common in children. The most common allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy-fish, and shellfish. When someone with an allergy ingests even the tiniest amount of that specific food, their immune system goes off the deep end and releases chemicals like histamine; this causes symptoms that can range from very mild to severe. Symptoms appear between minutes and hours after exposure and may include hives or swelling, stomach pain or nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, difficulty breathing and anaphylaxis (a severe life-threatening reaction requiring immediate medical attention).

Diagnosing Food Allergies

If you suspect you have a food allergy, it’s essential to see a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis. This typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests. The most common tests are:

Skin Prick Test: This is the test in which when a small amount of the suspected allergen is placed onto the skin and then pricked into the allergy. A reaction in the form of a raised bump may confirm an allergy.

Blood Test: This test can also investigate allergies, as this will measure whether specific antibodies (IgE) are present in response to allergens.

Oral Food Challenge: Conducted under medical supervision, this test involves consuming small amounts of the suspected allergen to monitor for a reaction.

Managing Food Allergies

Managing food allergies involves strict avoidance of allergenic food and being prepared for accidental exposure. Here are some essential strategies:

Read the Labels: Food packaging labels must list common allergens. Reading labels carefully will help you steer clear of accidental consumption.

Educate Yourself and Others: Knowing your allergy and educating others such as friends, family, colleagues, etc., etc can make the environment safer. This includes knowing how to spot symptoms of an allergic reaction and what to do in case it does happen.

Carry Emergency Medication: For those at risk of severe reactions, carrying an epinephrine auto-injector (like an EpiPen) at all times is crucial. Epinephrine can quickly counteract the effects of anaphylaxis and save lives.

Wear Medical Identification: Wearing a medical alert bracelet or necklace can provide critical information in case of emergency when you might not be able to communicate.

Plan Meals and Snacks: Making your food, or ensuring restaurants can handle your allergies, helps prevent exposure. When dining out, let the staff know about your allergy and ask how food is prepared.

While living with food allergies can be challenging, it’s manageable with proper education, planning, and support. Organizations like Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) offer resources and support networks for individuals and families dealing with food allergies.

In conclusion, understanding food allergies and knowing how to manage them effectively is essential for maintaining health and well-being. By staying informed, taking precautions, and having an action plan, individuals with food allergies can lead safe and fulfilling lives.