Food Allergies
Food allergy is a disorder of the immune system. This condition is characterized by an overreaction of the immune system
Definition
is a disorder of the immune system. This condition is characterized by an overreaction of the immune system to substances contained in a type of food.
Food allergies can occur in infants, children, and adults. It is estimated that 5 out of 100 people experience this type of allergy. There are people who have this disease their whole life. But not infrequently also food allergies will gradually disappear as adults.
Reason
The immune system consists of many components. One of them is immunoglobulin E (igE). In people who have allergic complaints, including food allergies, IgE overreacts to certain food substances.
IgE will react by releasing histamine substances, which will dilate blood vessels, triggering the release of substances that cause an inflammatory reaction, interfere with bowel movements, and cause swelling in the airways.
The cause of IgE overreacting is not clearly understood. However, people who have asthma, have a family history of allergies, or were born by Caesarean section are more susceptible to developing this disease.
Diagnosis
At the initial examination to determine food allergies, the doctor will conduct a complete and thorough interview regarding the symptoms that arise, the foods that have recently been consumed, and the number of types of foods consumed. In addition, a physical examination will be carried out to determine the various symptoms of allergies experienced.
To confirm a food allergy diagnosis, there are several tests that can be done, namely:
- Specific IgE examination through blood tests.
- Elimination of food, namely by avoiding a type of food that is suspected of causing allergies. Food elimination usually takes 2–4 weeks. If symptoms improve after elimination, it can be ascertained that a person is experiencing an allergy to these food substances.
- Another examination is the food challenge test . This examination is done by exposing the patient to foods that are suspected to trigger allergies. The doctor will observe the symptoms that appear after that. This examination is a last resort if the results of other examinations do not provide clear conclusions.
Symptom
Symptoms of food allergies can vary from mild to severe, and can involve the digestive tract, skin, and respiratory tract. Symptoms in the digestive tract can include nausea and vomiting, cramp-like abdominal pain, diarrhea, or bloody stools.
Symptoms in the respiratory tract can be in the form of prolonged if you are constantly exposed to allergens. In addition to coughing, other symptoms in the airways can include
nose, runny nose, shortness of breath, and swelling of the airways. Symptoms on the skin can be in the form of bumps on the skin, the skin feels hot and looks red, numbness or numbness in the skin, and spots on the skin
There can also be a severe allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis, which is a severe and life-threatening allergic symptom . Characterized by decreased consciousness or fainting, severe shortness of breath, blood pressure drops drastically, swelling of the lips or airways, blue lips, and pale skin.
Food allergies can be caused by any type of food. But the most common are allergic reactions to eggs (especially egg whites), milk, nuts, fish, shellfish, and gluten. Generally these symptoms appear about two hours after eating the food that triggers the allergy.
Treatment
The main treatment for food allergies is to avoid eating foods that can trigger allergy symptoms. If you accidentally eat the trigger food and allergy symptoms develop, you can be given drugs that contain antihistamines or corticosteroids.
If severe symptoms or anaphylaxis occur, then the main treatment is with adrenaline injections which must be given as soon as possible to save the life of the allergy sufferer.
Prevention
The main prevention of food allergies is to not eat foods that can trigger an allergic reaction.