There are many types of foods that may trigger allergic reactions in some people. Usually the symptoms are mild—a stuffy nose, an upset stomach, or a rash. These reactions are unpleasant but not life threatening.
About 7 in 100 children have a food allergy, and 2 out of 100 adults do (kids tend to outgrow food allergies). Serious food allergies are more rare, such as the well-known peanut allergy that can be fatal. Common food allergies include milk, shellfish, berries, and nuts, and wheat.
Children with food allergies may be more fussy, vomit often, have diarrhea a lot, and might not grow as quickly as other children. Although children often outgrow food allergies, adults with food allergies are not going to ever outgrow it. By age five, most children will outgrow allergies to milk, wheat, eggs, and soy. Children seldom outgrow allergies to fish or peanuts.
Food intolerances are often more mild than allergies, although they can cause painful digestive problems. They do not involve the immune system. Food intolerance symptoms take several hours to appear, and symptoms are generally all related to the digestive system. Food intolerance symptoms include: cramping, nausea, vomiting, sharp cramping, and diarrhea. A food allergy, on the other hand, involves the immune system and can be more severe. In addition to digestive symptoms, it may also involve hives or wheezing. A doctor or allergy doctor can perform testing to determine whether a food problem is an intolerance or an allergy. An untreated food allergy can cause other problems if not taken care of.
If you suspect a food allergy, talk to your allergy doctor. He or she can help identify and test for the food allergy and help you find ways to avoid and manage the condition.
Symptoms of food allergy include:
The serious and potentially fatal symptoms of anaphylaxis, related to food allergies and insect bites, include: rapid swelling of mouth and tongue, vomiting, and unconsciousness. Call 911 if you suspect a serious attack of anaphylaxis.
When you pick up a prescription drug from the pharmacy, the pharmacist should give you information on what the most common side effects are with that particular medication. Sometimes side effects are mild, other times they are more serious. Mild side effects may include a slight headache or tiredness. Other side effects should be reported immediately to your doctor.
The most common reactions to prescription medication that may indicate an allergy include:
Antibiotics and Penicillin are the prescription drugs most likely to cause an allergic reaction. Medication allergies can develop at any age. Aspirin can trigger asthma symptoms, so be cautious of this if you have asthma. Children should never be given aspirin, as it can cause serious medical problems if the child has a virus.