Food allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to a particular substance and decides it’s a danger rather than a nutrient. The body then sends out chemicals to defend against the substance, and we experience the symptoms of an allergy. While food allergy symptoms are most common in babies and children, they are known to affect up to 4% of adults, too.
A study published in Pediatrics journal (July 2011) found that 8% of children have some food allergy, and of those affected, 38.7% had a history of severe reactions while 30.4% had multiple food allergies. The highest rated allergic food was peanuts, followed by milk and shellfish.
Most food allergy symptoms occur within minutes to a couple of hours after eating a particular food.
Potential Symptoms of Food Allergies
- Vomiting and/or stomach cramps
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Gas and bloating
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing or wheezing
- Eczema and/or hives
- Feeling tightness in the throat and/or trouble swallowing
- Swelling of the tongue
- Weakened pulse
- Pale or blue coloring of the skin
- Dizziness or feeling faint
- Anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction that can make it difficult to breathe and cause the body to go into shock
Testing and Treatment Options
We offer a variety of testing options, including the “scratch test,” finger stick or traditional serum (blood) tests, based on symptoms. This allows us to test for both immediate (IgE) and delayed (IgG) type reactions.
At Desert Wellness Center, we offer Naturopathic treatment options that help to strengthen the immune system. Homeopathy can also be a useful tool.
We also offer a NO-shot allergy treatment, called sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT). SLIT has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment and is widely used in many countries.
For more on allergy drop treatment click here.
Information gathered from the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology and Allergy Easy:
http://acaai.org/allergies/treatment/sublingual-immunotherapy-slit