What are food alergies?

Answer 1

Food allergy is an immune system reaction that occurs soon after eating a certain food. Even a tiny amount of the allergy-causing food can trigger signs and symptoms such as digestive problems, hives or swollen airways. In some people, a food allergy can cause severe symptoms or even a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis.

Food allergy affects an estimated 6 to 8 percent of children under age 5, and about 3 to 4 percent of adults. While there's no cure, some children outgrow their food allergy as they get older. It's easy to confuse a food allergy with a much more common reaction known as food intolerance. While bothersome, food intolerance is a less serious condition that does not involve the immune system.

For some people, an allergic reaction to a particular food may be uncomfortable but not severe. For other people, an allergic food reaction can be frightening and even life-threatening. Food allergy symptoms usually develop within a few minutes to two hours after eating the offending food. Food Allergies can occur even the first time you eat a food.

The most common food allergy symptoms include:

1.Tingling or itching in the mouth

2.Hives, itching or eczema

3.Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat, or other parts of the body

4.Wheezing, nasal congestion or trouble breathing

5.Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting

6.Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting

Answer 2

Food Allergies are the type of allergy that one has by eating a certain kind of food. Whether it be strawberries or milk. The body responds in a manner that is life threatening and therefore, these foods should be avoided. I am not sure if they can be hereditary but they are dangerous.

Answer 3

A food allergy is a response of an immune system to a food that the human body has mistakenly identified as a harmful substance. Once the immune system decides that a specific food is harmful to the body, then it creates specific antibodies (immunoglobulin E) to go against the perceived enemy.

Answer 4

An immune system reaction to a specific food or ingredient the body incorrectly perceives as harmful is known as a food allergy. A person with a food allergy may experience various symptoms, from mild to severe or even life-threatening, when they consume or come into contact with even minute amounts of the allergen. Common food allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish.Central Offers thousands of patient specimens ideal for research and development. Visit now.