Precautions Against Food Allergies

Food allergy is defined as an abnormal reaction of the immune system to foods consumed daily. This reaction sometimes manifests as minor skin responses such as redness and rashes, while at other times it can pose life-threatening risks. Uz. Dr. Mahmut Demirci from the Internal Medicine Department at Memorial Şişli Hospital shared important information about food allergies.

Genetic Predisposition Can Cause Food Allergy

Food allergy begins when the immune system perceives the protein in food as a threat to the body and produces IgE antibodies against that food. Genetic predispositions can cause food allergies. Food allergies generally start in childhood. Food components in breast milk can also develop food allergies in infants. Food allergies most commonly occur with cow's milk, eggs, fish, peanuts, hazelnuts, walnuts, pistachios, soya, wheat, shellfish and sesame, but can develop against any food. Allergic reactions to these foods can cause skin redness, itching, and swelling of the esophagus, as well as vomiting and diarrhea.

The Distinction Between Food Allergy and Food Intolerance Must Be Made Correctly

Food allergy and food intolerance are often confused due to the similarity of their clinical findings. In both conditions, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea occur. However, while food allergy is a reaction of the immune system to proteins in foods, food intolerance develops as a metabolic disorder resulting from enzyme deficiency in the body. Food allergy causes a reaction regardless of the amount of food consumed, while food intolerance produces clinical symptoms when more than a certain amount of food is consumed. The distinction between food allergy and food intolerance must be made correctly. Professional consultation is essential for treatment.

Keep a "Food Diary"

Patient history is very important in diagnosing food allergies. It should be observed how the body reacts when certain foods are consumed. A food diary can be kept to properly guide the specialist. The content of consumed food, what type of symptoms appear within what time frame, how long they take to resolve, and whether the same symptoms appear every time the same food is consumed can be noted. For example, a person with egg allergy may develop an allergic reaction to a biscuit containing trace amounts of egg. Therefore, food diaries are important for diagnosis.

Skin Tests Can Be Performed on Infants

Skin tests, serum IgE measurement, and food provocation tests are tests that can be performed for diagnosis. Skin tests can be performed even on infants. Based on the test results, foods causing allergic reactions are eliminated from the diet to check whether clinical symptoms improve. Through food tests, the offending food can be introduced to the body to observe whether clinical symptoms reappear. However, food challenges must never be performed for foods that provoke life-threatening reactions in the body. Therefore, the patient-doctor relationship is very important. Misdiagnosis of patients can lead to unnecessarily restrictive diets.

Nutritional Content on Packaged Foods Must Be Read

Following the tests, the foods to which the patient is allergic and the severity of the body's reaction are determined. After allergenic foods and reaction severity are identified, a course of action is decided. Although there is no definitive cure, when allergic reactions occur, antihistamine and corticosteroid medications can be used. In addition, the patient should be informed about the foods causing allergies, taught to read nutritional contents on packaged foods, and given necessary medications for serious allergic reactions and instructions on their use. Most importantly; if the foods that the immune system does not accept make up a large portion of basic nutrition and cannot be consumed, a diet must be arranged under expert supervision to prevent malnutrition and other complications.