What Are The Types Of Food Allergies?

There are different types of food allergies, ranging from a mere annoyance with frequent bouts of vomiting or eczema, to life-threatening conditions that close off the windpipe and slow the pulse. Most allergies do not result in a trip to the emergency room, but most sufferers feel that it is better to be safe than sorry and avoid these dangerous foods. What distinguishes an allergy from intolerance is the body system affected. Allergies involve an immune system response to a perceived antagonist, whereas food intolerance involves an upset reaction from the digestive system.

Experiencing an allergic reaction to peanuts is one of the most common types of food allergies. Shortly after being exposed to peanuts, the allergic individual may experience a skin reaction like hives, redness or swelling. Their mouth and throat may itch, tingle or swell. They may have digestive problems such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea or vomiting. In the worst cases, the airways may become constricted, the pulse may increase and there could be a severe drop in blood pressure resulting in shock. Peanut allergies are the most common cause of anaphylaxis, a medical emergency that requires an adrenaline injection. People with this type of allergy must be careful to avoid all exposure to peanuts, including direct skin contact, inhaling, consuming or eating cross-contaminated products. Peanuts can be found in cookies, pastries, mixed nuts, energy bars, ice cream, cereals, granola, grain breads, marzipan and even products like nougat, salad dressings, chocolates, sunflower seeds and Arachis oil.

Another one of the most prevalent food allergies is the milk allergy. This allergy is caused by two types of protein found in milk; casein and whey. Generally, a few minutes or hours after consuming milk, the individual will begin wheezing, vomiting or will have hives. Over time, other allergy symptoms may turn up, like loose stools, diarrhea, cramps, runny nose, watery eyes or colic (in babies). An allergy to milk is differentiated from lactose intolerance because allergies involve the immune system attacking the body. On the other hand, a food related intolerance involves the digestive system, with other problems like bloating, gas, diarrhea and vomiting. The only way to treat milk allergies is through avoidance of dairy.

You can get additional information at the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network at www.foodallergy.org. You can learn about different types of food allergies, how to treat emergencies and where to find local support groups. You can read about all the latest studies, research and articles regarding the diagnosis and treatment for food allergy sufferers. Here you will also find recipes and local events raising support and awareness about food-related allergens.

Related topics about Types of Food Allergies
Dealing With Childhood Food Allergies
Rather than go through the time-consuming and money-consuming process of a Food Challenge, some parents would rather just shop carefully and try to make home life as normal as possible. Judy Phipps, owner of the Little Protégés early learning center, says she focuses her efforts on educating kids and parents about special diets for childhood food allergies. "We don't ever want to single a child out as being different.

What To Do About Your Kids Food Allergy
What about food allergies in babies? When four week old Grayson Grebe got eczema on his cheeks, his mother began to worry. Two months later, he was diagnosed with every food allergy in the book, including wheat, dairy, egg, bean, oat, rice, barley, chicken, pork, corn and peanut. His mother stopped eating these foods, but her baby's condition did not improve.

Kids Food Allergies On The Rise
Perhaps blood tests for kids food allergies fail because they cannot distinguish between similar proteins in different foods. For instance, a child with an allergy to peanuts may also test positive for kidney bean, green bean, pea and soy allergies. Similarly, a child with a milk allergy may also test positive for a beef allergy.