What Are The Symptoms Of A Food Allergy?
To put it simply, the symptoms of a food allergy can range from mild rashes to potentially fatal reactions. There is no way to gauge what a reaction might entail and, depending on what the cause is, it can be anything. There are some basic factors, however, that make it obvious when symptoms of a food allergy are occurring, besides the obvious fact that you just ate something and are feeling ill. We will outline these reactions below but will, first, explain what actually causes the wide variety of symptoms of a food allergy so you can best understand how to deal with them. Since the only real form of allergy prevention is to completely avoid the source, you need to know what happens when that is impossible.
Here’s the bottom line
The symptoms of a food allergy appear when your body first realizes a certain food has been eaten. For some reason, they recognize this food as an attack on the immune system, rather than just a normal part of a meal. When this happens, the body begins to try and get rid of the food. This causes histamine to form. Now, while this is a chemical designed to protect the body, it also ends up causing all the reactions you see forming on your skin. Histamine travels the entire length of your body and can cause symptoms to appear anywhere on it. This is what causes the real danger.
Now that you know what causes an allergic reaction, you should know the basic symptoms of a food allergy. This will make it easier to identify if one is actually happening. Look for things like:
- Hives
- Rash
- Swelling of the body
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Problems with breathing
- Pain
- Blacking out
Any of these symptoms of a food allergy can be deadly if not treated immediately. They will most likely form within just a few minutes of food consumption and that will give you a quick warning to seek the help of a doctor.
What you have to realize, though, is there is no treatment for an allergy. The symptoms can be dealt with and medication certainly helps, but the allergy will always be with you. That is why it is essential not to put your body through the symptoms of a food allergy and avoid it as best as you can. That means taking certain precautions in life.
Always know what you are eating. Know the ingredients and if there is any chance something you are allergic to could have fallen in. It is best to always cook for yourself but, in situations like restaurants where that is impossible, you should stress the severity of your allergies and double check with the waitress when the food is brought. Also, carry around medications that work well with your typical symptoms. Your doctor can prescribe them for you. When shopping, always check labels carefully and know what is in the food you buy.
These are simple steps but necessary ones that can help you avoid triggering the symptoms of a food allergy.
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