An allergy is an over-reaction or hyper-sensitivity that the body adversely reacts to, thereby producing excess histamine. This histamine triggers a cascade of
that can affect the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, skin or cardiovascular system. Although an individual could be allergic to any food, such as fruits, vegetables and meat, it is protein-rich foods that more than 80 per cent of the people are allergic to. You could either be allergic to specific food items, or preservatives. In case of food, allergies are generally caused by protein rich food stuffs like peanuts, fish, egg, soy, wheat and pulses.
While an allergy may develop at any age, there is no specific cure, which can be prescribed. Medical help comes in the prescription of anti-histamine drugs or in certain cases, injection of steroid, however these only lessens or cushions the effects after an allergy has occurred. There is no long-term cure or means to get rid of any allergy and the only way out is to prevent the intake of food that causes the allergy. Allergy symptoms vary from urticaria - red patches, indicating excess of blood supply to that region of the body, to general body rash and itching. In severe cases it may lead to breathlessness and angioneurotic oedema, where the wind pipe is blocked.
Patch test to find out the specific food that causes allergy exist. The effectivity though is of limited extent and can only test allergy to 50 to 100 food stuffs. The process of elimination is still the best option. It is also suggested or highly recommended by Doctors to have a journal on this. It will be easier to detect the particular food whenever you develop allergy symptoms next. The minute you know what you are allergic to, it is important to stay away from it thus learn to read food labels and thereby avoid eating food that you are allergic to.
The dictum, prevention is better than cure, works best in case of allergy.
typically appear within minutes to two hours after a person has eaten the food to which he/she is allergic. These allergy symptoms are: 1. Tingling sensation in the mouth 2. Swelling of the tongue and throat 3. Difficulty in breathing 4. Throwing up 5. Abdominal cramps 6. Diarrhea 7. Drop in blood pressure 8. Loss of consciousness Allergy symptoms may be mild or very severe, depending on how much of the food you have consumed and extent that you are allergic to it. It is also essential to know prior to any treatment whether you suffer from a single or multiple allergy symptoms.
Common allergy symptoms also include sneezing with either a runny nose or clogged nose, coughing, postnasal drip, itchy eyes and nose, sore throat or itchy throat, watery eyes and conjunctivitis which is an inflammation of the membrane the lines the eyelid which causes swelling of the eyes. Knowing your
is crucial for the earliest proper treatment and management of this health problem.
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