As a basic definition, an allergy is intolerance of the immune system to specific foods. Generally, it means an over-reaction or hyper-sensitivity that is characterized by the body’s adverse reaction thereby producing excess histamine, which in turn triggers a cascade of allergic symptoms that can affect the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, skin or cardiovascular system. One of the leading causes of ailments in the United States, studies show that some US $18 billion annually are spent on its treatment. While linked to many diseases particularly respiratory diseases such as Sinus, Asthma and Bronchitis, allergies can be managed and treated depending on how bad the allergic reactions are.
One that has afflicted an estimated 4 million Americans is
marked by an immediate reaction that the body manifests on food intake that it cannot or will not digest. Simply put, it is like a foreign substance ingested into the bloodstream that is rejected thereafter. When the body rejects the nutrients or other components from the food, the body has a tendency to fight back with antibodies and other elements. Eventually though, the body shows symptoms of the allergy. Common symptoms of food allergies include the closing of the throat and larynx, burning in the lungs where the tissue lining is thin, swollen and itchy eyes and swollen hands.
The face may also become red and breathing can be belabored. When people first suffer from food allergies, there is oftentimes confusion and panic. In a sense, the panic reaction to is good because many food allergies are actually very lethal for some people. Treatment and management of food allergies is best done with medication. It is also important that once allergic reactions are established and identified, one must stay away from the sources of potential allergens. Those with
should also how to monitor their food intake. If the food intake is not regulated, then the sufferer may even have a fatal food allergy attack.
Shots of steroids can immediately counteract any food allergy and boost the body’s response. As such, many extreme sufferers are encouraged to carry a steroid injection kit with them at all times. Regular allergy shots are also advised because often allergy pills are not effective in warding off food allergies. The allergy shots goes a long way in terms of protection from other airborne allergies that one who already has hyper-sensitivity to certain substances may likely be susceptible to. Studies show that food allergies are usually in one’s genetic make-up so it is common that other allergic reactions similar to what that food allergies cause are also suffered by a family member.
Food allergies are high in peanuts, milk, soy, wheat and shellfish such as shrimp, crab and lobster that in extreme cases, a mere smell can trigger an allergic reaction. So how does one deal with food allergies? Basic is to avoid sources of these allergic reactions which may prove a task in itself particularly when it is not the food per se that triggers the allergy but say, a substance or ingredient. In cases like these, it is advised that adults take a more conscientious watch on the child’s food intake. On a positive note though, food allergies on younger children are normally outgrown through the years.
while a potential threat is manageable with treatment available.
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