What Characterizes Food Allergy?
Food allergy represents one of the less frequent types of allergy. According to the statistical data that has been gathered recently, only 2 percent of the adults and 6 percent of the children manifest the symptoms of food allergy. The other people who believe that they have food allergy suffer, in fact, from food intolerance.

However, it is very important to know that these two health conditions are very different. First of all, food intolerance has mild symptoms and does not imply the immune system. Food allergy, on the other hand, may even lead to anaphylactic shock sometimes. In addition, in food allergy, the immune system plays a very important role.

 When people who are allergic to a certain food consume it, the immune system releases a chemical substance, called histamine, in order to neutralize the proteins from the food. The reason why these proteins are mistaken for dangerous bodies is unknown. The scientists continue the research in order to pinpoint exactly the cause of all the types of allergy. When histamine is set free into the body, the allergic reaction is triggered and the food allergy symptoms become observable.

It is very important to know that the symptoms become obvious within a few hours after consuming the food that triggers the allergic reaction. In some cases the allergic reaction is mild while in other cases, it may even be lethal. The severity of the symptoms depends on the immune system of each person. Most frequently, the symptoms include hives, itch of the skin, stuffed nosed, dizziness, nausea and vomiting.

 The respiratory tract is also affected, so it is not uncommon for people who are allergic to a certain food to experience wheezing, shortness of breath or even long congestion. In rather rare cases, people have reported that they have allergy asthma. Anaphylaxis, which represents the most serious allergic reaction, the symptoms include obstruction of the respiratory ways, shock, dizziness and loss of consciousness. The blood pressure of a person who enters anaphylaxis drops significantly. The pulse is either fast or very weak.

When the food that causes the allergic reaction is known, the best way to avoid the problem is to stay away from that certain food. When that particular food is consumed, in order to prevent the symptoms, an injection with adrenaline or epinephrine must be made. This treatment is recommended only in dangerous situations. For people who have less severe symptoms, the doctor will recommend a treatment based on antihistamines.