Throughout the years, the world has seen a significant increase in food allergy cases. These days, pretty much everyone is allergic to a food or two. If it’s not you, it’s quite likely that someone in your family or social circle is suffering from it.
While food allergies are usually none life-threatening, they must be taken seriously. Not only can they cause a lot of discomfort to the sufferer, they can also greatly affect the allergic person’s everyday performance and quality of life. More importantly, even though they are rare, severe cases of food allergies can cause anaphylaxis which can be deadly.
As such, it is important to learn more about food allergies. Even if it’s not for yourself, it can help you in understanding and caring for other people who have them.
Here are some food allergens that causes allergies and the symptoms they cause: (Helen West, RD, UK)
1. Cow’s Milk- Cow’s Milk allergy is most common among babies and young children. According to studies, exposure to cow's milk protein before they reach six months old increases the chances of developing the said allergy. However, around 80%-90% of children will outgrow the condition around three years old, making it much less common in adults. Those who have this kind of allergy experience symptoms like swelling, rashes, hives, vomiting and, in rare cases, anaphylaxis.
For breastfeeding mothers whose babies have milk allergy, it is recommended for them to remove cow's milk and foods that contain it from their own diets. As for babies who aren't breastfeeding, a health professional may suggest other alternatives.
2. Eggs- Egg allergy is the second most common cause of food allergy in children. Just like with milk allergy, most of them will outgrow their condition by the time they reach the age of 16. People who suffer from this allergy may experience digestive distress, such as a stomach ache; skin reactions, such as hives or a rash; respiratory problems; and in rare cases, Anaphylaxis.
Another interesting fact to note is that, it's possible to be allergic to egg whites, but not the yolks, and vice versa. The reason for this is that the proteins in egg whites and egg yolks differ slightly. Even so, most of the proteins that trigger an allergy are found in egg whites, thus an egg white allergy is more common.
3. Tree Nuts- A tree nut allergy is an allergy to some of the nuts and seeds that come from trees. Some examples of these nuts are Almonds, Macadamia, Pistachios, Pine, and Walnuts.
Unlike the previous two food allergens, tree nut allergy is rarely outgrown. In most cases, the condition is life-long. Furthermore, tree nut allergies can also be very severe. As shown by statistics, tree nut allergies account for around 50% of anaphylaxis-related deaths.
4. Peanuts- Like in tree nut allergies, peanut allergies are also very common and can potentially cause fatal allergic reactions. However, the two conditions are not the same as a peanut is a legume. Still, those with peanut allergies are often also allergic to tree nuts.
Fortunately, there’s a chance for peanut allergies to be outgrown by some. Studies show that around 15–22% of children who develop a peanut allergy will find it resolves as they move into their teenage years. For now, the only effective treatments are a peanut-free diet and avoidance of products that have peanut in them.
5. Shellfish- A shellfish allergy results from your body being overly sensitive and overreacting to the proteins found in crustacean and mollusk families of fish, which are known as shellfish. Some examples of these are shrimp, prawns, crayfish, lobster, squid, and scallops.
Shellfish allergies are unlikely to resolve over time. As such, most people with the condition must avoid all shellfish to prevent an allergic reaction. Moreover, they should also avoid vapors from cooking shellfish as they can also trigger allergic reactions.
6. Wheat- A wheat allergy is an allergic response to one of the proteins found in wheat. Like in egg and milk allergies, this kind of allergy is most common in children and can be outgrown as well. Children with the condition tend to resolve the issue by the time they reach the age of 10.
As it is in other allergies, a wheat allergy can result in digestive distress, hives, vomiting, rashes, swelling and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis. Individuals who have this kind of allergy should avoid wheat and wheat-containing products, not only food but other products such as soap and cosmetics.
7. Soy- Soy allergies commonly affect infants and children under three. They are triggered by a protein in soybeans or soybean-containing products. Still, around 70% of children who are allergic to soy outgrow the allergy.
The symptoms may involve an itchy, tingly mouth; a runny nose; rash; and asthma or breathing difficulties. Although rare, a soy allergy may also lead to anaphylaxis.
People with this allergy must avoid soybeans and soy products like soy milk, tofu, and soy sauce. Like milk and eggs, soy is also used quite often in other products. As such, it is important to always read food labels.
8. Fish- Fish allergies are more common in adults affecting about 2% of the population. In fact, it's not even uncommon for a fish allergy to surface later in life. According to studies, 40% of cases indicate people developing the allergy as an adult.
Fish allergies can also cause serious and potentially fatal allergic reactions. The main symptoms are usually vomiting and diarrhea. However, in rare cases, anaphylaxis can also occur. As such people with fish allergies must also carry portable doses of adrenalin in case of accidental consumption of fish.
Conclusion
While food allergies can be overwhelming and difficult to deal with, it is not a complete disability. In most cases, people with allergies can still function normally and live a full life. They just need to exercise more caution and discipline in their diets and lifestyle. Whenever they are unsure, there are experts they can always turn to.
For more information, seek out an allergy specialist in your area.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/common-food-allergies#section2
https://medlineplus.gov/allergy.html
https://acaai.org/allergies/types/food-allergy
https://www.everydayme.com.ph/wellness/healthy-eating/common-food-allergies
https://www.healthline.com/health/allergies/common-food-allergies#milk
https://www.aafa.org/food-allergies/
