Food Allergy: Causes and Symptoms

Food Allergy

Food allergy is an abnormal response of the body to a food and cause specific reactions of the immune system with specific symptoms. Food allergy is relating with hypersensitivity as an unexpected reaction due to a food.
The main causes of food allergies are allergens contained in the food. For example, proteins that are not damaged during cooking or when entering into the stomach. When allergens enter the bloodstream and reach the target organ will stimulate a reaction. Food allergies are influenced by our immune system and heredity.
When first exposed to allergies, allergens will stimulate lymphocytes in the white blood cells to produce antibodies (IgE) against the allergen. Furthermore, these antibodies will attach to mast cells of our body tissues. And when eating foods that contain allergens, the antibodies will command the mast cells to release histamine. This histamine, that causes the symptoms of food allergy.

Symptoms and Reactions of Food Allergies

Food allergy symptoms can appear within a few minutes or even a few hours after eating foods containing allergens. The initial symptoms are usually:

• itching in the mouth, 
• difficulty swallowing, or 
• shortness of breath. 

When the food has reached the stomach and small intestine, symptoms can include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain.
Early symptoms of food allergy is similar to the symptoms of food intolerance. The difference is the cause. Food intolerance occurs because the ingredients contained in foods such poisons or toxins. Food intolerance usually occurs because pharmacologically (chemical process) processed foods in large quantities. While allergies can occur despite consuming a bit of food allergens.
The most frightening symptoms of allergy is anaphylactic shock, characterized by blood pressure and decreased consciousness. If not treated promptly can lead to death.
Food allergies are more common in children. Cases of food allergy in adult humans are few. And children who have a history of eczema or asthma will be more susceptible to allergies.

Allergy symptoms caused by the IgE will occur within 30 minutes after taking allergens food. Symptoms include:

• reddish skin and bumps
• gag
• diarrhea
• stomach ache
• Respiratory tract disorders

Meanwhile, allergy symptoms are triggered by other than IgE would arise within a few hours or a few days after eating foods containing allergens. The trigger is usually a protein food or enterocolitis syndrome.