Food Allergy

What causes food allergies?

Food allergies crop up when your immune system mistakenly identifies a protein in a food as harmful. In response, the immune system produces antibodies to fight off the protein whenever it enters your body and releases chemicals that trigger an allergic reaction.

What are common food allergies?

The foods most commonly linked to allergies include:

• Soy
• Cow's milk
• Shellfish
• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Wheat
• Sesame
• Tree nuts
• Fish

Although food allergies often develop during childhood, they can occur at any age.

What symptoms do food allergies cause?

Food allergies cause a range of symptoms, varying in severity. Common symptoms include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Itching in the mouth or ears
• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Wheezing
• Skin rash

Symptoms typically appear within a few minutes to two hours after consuming the triggering food. The intensity of symptoms can fluctuate, with mild reactions sometimes followed by more severe ones.

Do food allergies cause anaphylaxis?

Food allergies are one of the leading causes of anaphylaxis — a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. During anaphylaxis, symptoms can affect multiple areas of the body and escalate quickly. In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, anaphylaxis can cause:

• Swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Hives

Without immediate medical intervention, anaphylaxis can lead to an irregular heartbeat, shock, and even death. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency, so it’s vital to use an epinephrine auto-injector and call 911 right away if you or someone close to you experiences these symptoms.

How are food allergies treated?

The primary treatment for food allergies involves identifying and eliminating the triggering food from your diet. Allergy Associates of Utah can help guide this process. In addition, your provider likely prescribes an epinephrine auto-injector to always have on hand.

If you have a child with food allergies, your provider can work with you to develop an emergency treatment plan for their school or daycare. They also discuss a treatment plan for your family’s health needs and lifestyle.

If you suspect that you or your child has a food allergy, seeking medical advice is crucial. Knowledge is power, and the skilled Allergy Associates of Utah team can support you at each step. Schedule your appointment today by calling the nearest office or booking online to get help for food allergies.