Your immune system’s primary goal is to keep your body healthy. In the case of food allergies, the immune system mistakenly identifies certain food proteins as harmful and triggers an allergic response. Large amounts of immunoglobulin E (IgE), an antibody, are produced. IgE causes the release of histamine and other chemicals, which can lead to the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Reactions can range from mild symptoms, such as itching or hives, to severe, life-threatening reactions known as anaphylaxis. Food allergies can affect both children and adults and may develop at any point in life.
What Are Food Allergies?
A food allergy is an immune response to a specific food. Common food allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, egg, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish, though other foods may also be involved. Symptoms can affect the skin, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, or cardiovascular system.
Food allergy reactions vary from person to person, and the severity of past reactions does not reliably predict future risk.
What Are the Causes of Food Allergies?
Food allergies occur when the immune system reacts to specific food proteins. The exact reason why some individuals develop food allergies is not always known, but contributing factors may include genetics, environmental exposures, and immune system differences.
Once a food allergy develops, exposure to even small amounts of the allergen can trigger symptoms.
Common Food Allergens
Common foods associated with allergic reactions include:
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Milk
- Eggs
- Soy
- Wheat
- Fish
- Shellfish
What Are the Symptoms of Food Allergies?
Food allergy symptoms can affect different parts of the body and may include:
- Hives, itching, or skin redness
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea
- Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
- Dizziness or fainting
Symptoms may occur shortly after eating a food or, in some cases, may be delayed depending on the type of allergy.
Why Asthma Control Matters in Food Allergy Care
Asthma control is an important part of allergy and food allergy safety. Individuals with food allergies who also have asthma may be at higher risk for severe allergic reactions if asthma is not well controlled. Managing asthma alongside food allergies helps reduce overall risk and supports safer outcomes.
How Are Food Allergies Diagnosed?
Food allergies can be diagnosed through a blood test. A blood test is used to measure the amount of allergen-specific IgE antibodies present in the blood.
If blood testing is negative, an oral food challenge can also be performed in order to rule out a food allergy. This test takes place in the clinic where you will be under constant medical supervision. This ensures that if you experience an allergic reaction, it can be treated immediately.
The food in question is ingested in small amounts and the challenge is stopped at the first sign of a reaction. After a few hours, if no reaction occurs, you are not allergic.
Call Midwest Allergy & Asthma at (651) 702-0750 for more information or to schedule an appointment.