What is food allergy?

Allergic disorders include a range of health problems including food and drug allergies, allergic rhinitis conjunctivitis, allergic dermatitis, allergic asthma and systemic anaphylaxis.

Food allergies and sensitivities can be collectively referred to as “individualistic adverse reactions” to food that involves the body’s immune system.

An example is hives caused by eating shrimp. Most often the substance causing the allergic reaction is a protein.

These foods related illnesses are individualistic because they affect only a few people in the population; most of us can eat the same foods with no effects.

Many children and adults claim to suffer from food allergies. Although the incidence of this problem may have increase in the twentieth century, its existence was recorded in the time of Hippocrates, who noted that cow’s milk could cause hives and stomach aches.

Food anaphylaxis is a true allergy involving IgE and can be fatal. The symptoms caused the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators include hives, throat swelling, a drop in blood pressure, wheezing and abdominal cramping.

Anaphylactic reactions occur among sensitized individuals most after consuming peanuts tree nuts, fish and shellfish.
What is food allergy?