A is an
Immunologic Response to a food protein. It is estimated that up to 12 million Americans have food allergies of one type or another,
1 and the prevalence is rising.
2 Six to eight percent of children have food allergies and two percent of adults have them.
3 The most common food allergies in adults are
Shellfish ,
Peanut s,
Tree Nut s,
Sesame seeds,
Fish , and
Eggs , and the most common food allergies present in children are
Milk ,
Eggs , and
Peanut s.
At this time, there is no cure for food allergies. Treatment consists of avoidance diets, where the allergic person avoids any and all forms of the food to which they are allergic. For people who are extremely sensitive, this may involve the total avoidance of any exposure with the allergen, including touching or inhaling the problematic food as well as any surfaces that may have come into contact with it. Food allergy is distinct from
Food Intolerance , which is not caused by an immune reaction.
Persons diagnosed with a food allergy may carry an autoinjector of epinephrine such as an
EpiPen or
Twinject , wear some form of
Medical Alert Jewelry , or develop an emergency action plan, in accordance with their doctor.
Symptoms of food allergies include: "Food allergy"
- Anaphylaxis : a severe, whole-body allergic reaction that can result in death (see below)
- Angioedema : swelling, especially of the eyelids, face, lips, and tongue
- Eczema
- Hives
- Itching of the mouth, throat, eyes, skin, or any area
- Nausea , vomiting, Diarrhoea , stomach cramps, or Abdominal Pain
- Runny nose or Nasal Congestion
- Wheezing , scratchy throat, shortness of breath, or difficulty swallowing
- Mood swings, depression
Angioedema is a skin reaction where the tissues swell. It can result in swelling/edema of the lips, skin tongue and airways (causing constriction, wheezing and difficulty breathing). It can also cause swelling of the face, eyes, hands, etc.
The symptoms of an Immunoglobulin E (
IgE ) allergic reaction can take place within a few minutes to an hour. The process of eating and digesting food affects the timing and location of a reaction. IgG reactions build over a period of hours to days
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Food allergy can lead to (low blood pressure) and loss of consciousness. This is a
Medical Emergency . Allergens commonly associated with this type of reaction are peanuts, nuts, milk, egg, and seafood. Food anaphylaxis can also be caused by various types of fruit.
4 Latex products can induce similar reactions.
Food allergy is thought to develop more easily in patients with the and
Conjunctivitis ,
Eczema and
Asthma .
ICD9 Other atopic dermatitis and related conditions The syndrome has a strong inherited component; a family history of allergic diseases can be indicative of the atopic syndrome.
Another type of food allergy is called Gastrointestinal Food Hypersensitivity.
5 It can be
IgE or Non-IgE mediated.
In this class, IgE mediated responsese include:
- Immediate GI Hypersensitivity
- Oral allergy syndrome
Conditions that have been shown to have both IgE and Non-IgE causes of gastrointestinal food hypersensitity include:
Conditions of Non-IgE gastrointestinal food hypersensitivity include:
