What's the Scoop with Food Allergies?

      The prevalence of food allergies is on the rise and the public is taking notice. Especially those members of the public with young children that are beginning to have exposure to foods that are common allergens. Food allergies are a major health concern and reactions can range from mild irritation to severe, life threatening responses.

     Food allergies and food intolerances are commonly confused. By definition, a food allergy is an improper immune system response to a food protein that is usually harmless by means of ingestion, inhalation or touch. Food intolerance is an adverse reaction to a food or chemical substance in a food. True food allergies are more common in young children than older children and adults. Prevalence of true food allergy is estimated to be about 6-8% in children and 3-4% in adults.

     Symptoms of food allergies or intolerance vary greatly from one person to the next. Some may include: skin rash, runny nose, wheezing, stomach pain, diarrhea, or anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be fatal. It is a severe immune response which can include symptoms such as: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, low blood pressure, shock, and death. Symptoms of a food allergy or food intolerance can develop immediately or may take several hours to appear.

      Foods that are most typically associated with food allergies or intolerance include: peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, milk, wheat, soy, and egg.

     Diagnosis of a food allergy is a complex process because technically food allergy is associated with an immunologic response. First, a problem food must be identified, then it must be documented as causing an adverse reaction, and finally verified that the reaction is an immune response. Diagnosis often includes a full medical evaluation, food history, elimination of the suspected food, and controlled and monitored reintroduction of the food.

      Currently the only proven treatment of a food allergy is total avoidance of the offending food. This can be very challenging if a person has multiple food allergies, or when a person is allergic to a food that is found within many other food products. Your Registered Dietitian can help you plan a healthy, balanced diet while still avoiding foods that cause allergic responses.

     If you believe that you or your child is experiencing an allergic reaction seek immediate medical attention by calling 911. If you suspect that you or your child has a food allergy consult your doctor. Your primary care physician will likely refer you to an allergy specialist for further evaluation. Keep in mind that eliminating a food group from your diet due to a suspected or confirmed food allergy may lead to nutritional deficiency, seek the guidance of a Registered Dietitian for help consuming a balanced diet despite required dietary restriction.

     For further information on food allergies, contact your physician or Registered Dietitian.

Cheers,
Brittney