Food Allergy Symptoms
Jun 16 2010 in All Site Articles, Food Allergy News by Ruth LovettSmith
Many individuals become confused when trying to recognize food allergy symptoms in themselves or others. Food intolerances can also make recognizing food allergy symptoms difficult.
It’s important to remember that a true food allergy is defined as an immune system response to food proteins and a food intolerance is typically defined as a digestive system response to food proteins. Food allergies and reactions can be life threatening. Food intolerances and reactions usually are not.
The most common food allergy symptoms include:
- Tingling in the mouth
- Hives, itching or eczema
- Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat, or other parts of the body
- Wheezing, nasal congestion or trouble breathing
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
Life-threatening symptoms, called anaphylaxis, include:
- Constriction and tightening of airways
- A swollen throat or a lump in your throat that makes it difficult to breathe
- Shock, with a severe drop in blood pressure
- Rapid pulse
- Dizziness, lightheadedness or loss of consciousness
Emergency treatment is critical for anaphylaxis.
Untreated, anaphylaxis can cause a coma or death.
Symptoms of food intolerance include:
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Gas, cramps, or bloating
- Vomiting
- Heartburn
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Irritability or nervousness
If you think you or someone you know is experiencing a life threatening allergic reaction; you should follow your allergy action plan if you have one, administer the EpiPen if you have one (and have been told to use it by your allergist) and call for emergency assistance.
Keep in mind that while Benadryl is an antihistamine, it is not a life saving medication and may only delay a life threatening reaction. When in doubt, call your allergist or you local emergency number.
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Helen said on December 8, 2010
Trying a gluten free diet, think it might be why I broke out all over, and terrible build up on my scalp. Have been 5 days into this, and my rash is fading. Will see a doc in January, is now Dec 8th.
Ruth LovettSmith said on December 12, 2010
Helen,
I’m glad to hear you are feeling better and that you have a doctor’s appointment coming up. It’s important to remember to be careful with eliminating any food groups from your diet without discussing with your doctor. You want to make sure that you are getting all the appropriate nutrients you need.
Sugar is a big culprit for reactions in diet that can show up in numerous ways – including on the skin. Make sure your diet is low in sugar – especially added sugar in packaged foods etc. as opposed to natural sugar found in fruits.
I’ve also found apple cider vinegar used as a hair rinse helps with scalp build up. It somehow balances the ph of your scalp.
Let us know how things go with the doctor.