The 8 Most Common Food Allergy You Should Always Keep In Mind
The 8 Most Common Food Allergy You Should Always Keep In Mind
What is a food allergy?
Almost one-third of people say that they have a food allergy but in reality, it is seen that almost 5 to 8 percent of children and 3 to 5 percent of adults actually have a food allergy.
The reason for this discrepancy is because most people fail to discriminate between food allergy and food intolerance.
Food allergy is defined as an immune system reaction that may be mild or dangerous after consuming certain foods.
The exact cause of food allergy is unknown though heredity is thought to be an important factor. If both parents are allergies, it is almost certain that their children will also have the same, although the symptoms and allergens may differ.
Food allergies in children are usually disappearing as they grow up.
what are the symptoms of food allergy?
Symptoms may vary from a mild reaction to a severe life-threatening one.
Skin rashes, hives, itching, Shortness of breath, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc to widespread swelling of the mouth and mucous membrane.
The 8 most common food that causes allergy
Though almost all food can cause allergy there are 8 most common foods we can see causing allergy most often.
1.Milk and milk products
Dairy products such as cows milk, cheese, yogurt, cream, ice cream, and certain desserts are the most common food allergy encountered by doctors.
cow’s milk allergy may be IgE or non-IgE mediated but the most common type is IgE type.
Most of the cow’s milk allergy is seen in children less than one year of age.
The most probable cause of cow’s milk allergy is the cow’s milk protein associated with it.
2.Eggs(especially egg whites)
Eggs mainly egg whites are another very common allergen.
Cakes, Mousses, Ice-creams, Salad dressing, French toast, Some desserts are the main source of egg mixed foods.
Egg allergy can occur as early as infancy. Most children, but not all, outgrow their egg allergy before adolescence.
Allergic reactions usually occur in few minutes to 1 hour after ingestion of egg or egg-containing foods.
3.Fish
Another less but severe common food allergy is fish allergy.
While less common than other food allergies, an allergy to finned fish is a frequent cause of anaphylaxis.
Unlike other food allergies, which are typically first observed in babies and young children, an allergy to fish may not become apparent until adulthood; in one study, as many as 40 percent of people reporting a fish allergy had no problems with fish until they were adults.
Finned fish as tuna, halibut, or salmon, common sources are Fresh, canned or smoked fish, fish liver oil, foods containing fish, etc.
4.Soy and Soy products:
The most common source are soy, soybeans, tofu, textured vegetable proteins, soy sauce, natural and artificial flavor, and vegetable starch.
It is also a major ingredient of processed foods.
5.Peanuts
An allergy to peanuts can cause the most dangerous allergic reaction both because it is widely used in processed foods and even a minute amount of peanut protein can cause fatal reactions.
Main sources are peanut and peanut oil, peanut butter, flour, baked products, and candy with nuts.
wise to avoid nuts.
6.Tree Nuts
Main food sources are Candy and baked goods with pecans, walnuts, almonds cashews, etc.
A tree nut allergy is one of the most common food allergies in both adults as well as children. Allergic reactions to tree nuts can range from mild (minor itching, watery eyes, and scratchy throat) to life-threatening. You may be allergic to just one type of tree nut, or you could be allergic to several.
7.Wheat and wheat products
Bread and bread-related products, cereals, cakes, pasta, products containing flour, beer, and ale are the main food sources.
A wheat allergy occurs when our body produces antibodies to proteins found in wheat.
Sometimes wheat allergy is confused with celiac disease but both conditions are different. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that’s triggered when you eat gluten.
Wheat allergy is most common in babies and toddlers especially in whom the immune system is weak.
8. Shellfish
This is the last food among the 8 most common food that causes allergy.
Crab, lobster, oysters, scallops, and seafood dishes are the most common sources.
How food allergy is diagnosed?
Some allergens are readily diagnosed as the symptoms develop very early after consumption of the food.
But many a time it is not easy to diagnose the exact cause of
food allergy.
At that point Skin test, Blood test or food challenge test may
be required.
Skin test: This is the most common test, a small amount of food extract is placed in the skin, then the skin is scratched so the food enters into the skin and looked for any itching or hives.
RAST test also called the Radioallergosorbent test.
This is a blood study test. A small amount of the patient’s blood is mixed with food extracts and seen for antibodies.
Food Challenge test
The patient is kept on hypoallergic food for 7 to 10 days.
If all symptoms disappear then food allergy is confirmed.
If not, then causes other than food allergy is suspected.
Treatment of food allergy
Living with food allergens means avoiding the foods that cause allergy should be avoided.
But many a time it is not possible as allergens may hide as hidden ingredients in many processed foods.
When to go to a doctor?
when the following symptoms appear then immediately consult your doctor
- Swelling or tightness of the throat
- Chest pain or tightness
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Trouble swallowing
- Pale, blue skin color
- Dizziness or fainting
Bottom lines
All foods can cause allergy, but 90 percent of food allergy is caused by this 8 most common food.
Allergic reactions may be very mild to severe life-threatening.
We should try to avoid allergens as far as possible.
Always consult a doctor before trying any medicines.
while less common in the general population than other types of food allergies, an allergy to finned fish is a frequent cause of anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that appears quickly, impairs breathing, and can send the body into shock.
While less common in the general population than other types of food allergies, an allergy to finned fish is a frequent cause of anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that appears quickly, impairs breathing, and can send the body into shock.