Allergies are the immune system’s incorrect response to a foreign substance. Exposure to what is normally a harmless substance causes the immune system to react as if the substance were harmful.
Food allergies develop when an IgE antibody to a specific food is present. IgE is a type of protein made by the immune system to recognize and fight specific body “invaders.” In people with food allergies, the body mistakes a particular food as unfriendly and produces IgE in an attempt to fight it off. As a result, an allergic reaction occurs within minutes of eating the food. Milk, fish and shellfish, nuts, peanuts, wheat and eggs are the most common foods that cause allergies. Non-allergic food intolerance is more common than true food allergy.
What are the symptoms of a food allergy?
Symptoms can be severe and can include asthma (wheezing and coughing), hives, runny nose, vomiting, diarrhea, and swelling in the throat and mouth.
How are food allergies treated?
The best treatment is to avoid the foods that cause an allergic reaction. For life-threatening situations, such as the inability to breathe, an injection of epinephrine (adrenalin) immediately begins reversing symptoms and is the only effective treatment option. Many people with food allergies carry a pen-sized injectable vial of epinephrine with them at all times.
Make an appointment now. Or call 216.444.3386 or 800.223.2273 Ext. 4-3386 to schedule an appointment with a Cleveland Clinic allergist.
