Allergies are simply a hypersensitive response by the immune system when a foreign substance (allergen) is taken. Identifying allergens that are environment or chemical related is easy, but those caused by foods are quite difficult to detect. This food allergy headache has been around for centuries.
It is important to note that many food allergies can affect anyone regardless of their age. However, a strong immune system is able to fight off allergens as well as other infections that may try to disrupt normal functioning of the body. Research shows that infants and older people are the ones more likely to catch these allergies due to weary immune system. Allergic reaction can be caused by weak immune system, hereditary factors and poor metabolism to mention a few.
Common food allergies can be classified in three categories namely severe, moderate and mild. Each category portrays different signs but the bottom line is that they are all related. Normally, common food allergies escalate after a period of around 30 minutes and up to four hours after consumption and they can progress if left untreated.
Mild reactions are also known as first level allergies. They are gentle in nature and do not spread over a wide area. Some of the common symptoms associated with them include congestion, hives, watery eyes, rashes and inflammation.
Moderate reactions are more severe as compared to mild allergies since they can spreads to other parts of the body, if left untreated. These reactions are considered level two in food allergies. Some of the symptoms a patient can experience include itching and breathing difficulties.
Severe reactions or anaphylaxis are quite serious. This level of food allergy is not very common but it is lethal if left unchecked. The symptoms are sudden and they spread to other parts of the body very fast in form of an itch. Other common symptoms include cramps, vomiting, cramps, delusion and abdominal pains.
Food allergies should not be confused with food intolerance. Intolerance comes in when the body is unable to digest the food, drinks or even additives. It occurs when the body responds in an undesirable manner even when the food taken is not allergic to the individual. The condition is attributed to low or lack of certain enzymes that are responsible for breaking down the food.
In many cases, common food allergies are hard to treat and the only solution relies on identifying the type of food triggering them.