About 33 million Americans have at least one food allergy, and their reactions can range from a mild itch to severe, life-threatening, anaphylaxis.
Given the wide range of symptoms that are associated with food allergies, the team at World Medical Group dba Neuropathy & Pain Centers of Texas, which includes specialists in allergies, wants to outline a few of the more common food allergy reactions.
Our goal is to help you recognize food allergies in yourself or a loved one more easily so that you can take important steps to manage the issue.
Food allergies are incredibly common. They occur when a person’s immune system reacts to proteins in certain foods. When it comes to which foods are triggering these reactions, about 90% of food allergies can be traced to one or more of the following:
Bear in mind that a person can develop an allergy toward any food at any time, so even if you don’t see a food on this list, you could still develop an allergy toward it. That said, the foods on the above list account for the lion’s share of food allergy problems.
Now, let’s get to the heart of our discussion by reviewing the wide range of symptoms that stem from food allergies, which include:
We’ve listed these symptoms from mild to severe, but keep in mind that each reaction can also range from mild to severe. For example, a mild food allergy reaction often comes in the form of a few hives and some minor itching in one spot, while a severe reaction involves widespread hives. The same applies to stomach upset — some people only encounter mild upset, while others struggle with severe cramping and vomiting.
The most severe reaction to food allergies is anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening response that can cut off a person’s air supply, lower their blood pressure to dangerous levels, and lead to shock. This is a medical emergency, and you should call 911 immediately if you or someone you are with experiences it.
Given the possible severity of food allergies, it’s an excellent idea to come in for allergy testing if you suspect that you or a loved one might be affected. It’s also a good idea to confirm whether your symptoms are related to food allergies — sometimes we find that a patient’s complaints aren’t related to food allergies at all, but to something entirely different.
Through allergy testing, we can get to the bottom of your symptoms and get you back on track toward better health.
For expert diagnosis and care of food allergies, please call or message one of our offices in Arlington or Fort Worth, Texas, today to schedule an evaluation.
