4 Questions to Ask about Food Allergies

The severity of allergic reactions varies from person to person depending on several factors, such as the type of allergy, the number of allergens involved, and the first-line treatments used. Even when proper precautions are taken, reactions can be unpredictable and surprising. In addition to this, the severity of one incident typically does not predict the severity of the next; for example, a person may have a severe reaction one time, and the next reaction may be mild. Particularly if their allergy is severe, food-allergic people often live in a perpetual state of caution.
 
The best way to avoid any kind of allergic reaction is to avoid coming into contact with the specific allergen that is causing a reaction. There are a variety of calculated ways that this can be accomplished, but depending on the allergen, it can be more difficult than some might think. The most important thing to remember for those with food allergies is to always be prepared; have your portable treatments on hand at all times and be ready to use them in case of a reaction.

When a person has a food allergy, their immune system mistakenly identifies a specific food or a substance in food (most often a protein) as something harmful. In response, to neutralize the allergy-causing food or food substance (the allergen), their immune systems trigger cells to release an antibody known as immunoglobulin E (IgE). The next time that individual eats even the smallest amount of that food, IgE antibodies detect it and signal their immune system to release a mixture of chemicals—histamine, among others—into the bloodstream. These chemicals cause allergy symptoms.
 
Food allergies are most commonly triggered by certain proteins found in:

• Crustacean shellfish (shrimp, lobster, and crab)
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts, such as walnuts and pecans
• Fish
• Chicken eggs
• Cow’s milk
• Wheat

Food allergies can cause symptoms and affect virtually any area of the body, but the most common areas to be affected include:

• Skin, such as rashes, eczema, dry skin, redness, and swelling
• Gastrointestinal Tract, with stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea
• Cardiovascular System, such as abnormal cardiac rhythm, high blood pressure, and increased pulse
• Respiratory System, such as shortness of breath, wheezing, trouble swallowing (dysphagia), and tightness or hoarseness in the throat

The best way to prevent allergic reactions from food allergies is to avoid the specific allergens at fault. This typically includes:

• Customized Diets — A common approach in the treatment of food allergies is creating an avoidance diet. These specialized diets work with a person’s food allergy and avoid all foods that could cause an allergic reaction. This is much easier than trying to avoid these foods and food substances on the fly, as developing a plan facilitates a streamlined process for dieting and food planning. In addition, they can help understand how to treat food allergies, including how to read food labels.

• Cross-Reactions — Certain foods can interact with one another, in what is known as a cross-reaction. Cross-reaction typically occurs among foods that share the same food group, such as lobster, crab, and shrimp, which are all shellfish. This means that if a person is allergic to shellfish, they need to abstain from all of them, as they all share the same allergenic properties. It is important to note that this does not pertain to all food groups, and it can vary from one person to the next.
 
If you or someone you love is experiencing allergies, the experienced doctors at Primary Care Center can help you find relief and improve your quality of life. Contact us today, book an online appointment for food allergy testing and treatment, or visit our clinic. We have convenient locations to serve you in Webster and Pasadena, TX. We serve patients from Webster TX, Pasadena TX, South Houston TX, Brookwood TX, Seabrook TX, Bacliff TX, and surrounding areas. We look forward to serving you!