Is a food allergy really an allergy? (Food Allergy) Let's find out exactly what this is!

Sometimes, after we eat something, we feel a little strange or uncomfortable, right? A stomachache, a tingling sensation, or something else. Then we suddenly think, "Oh, I don't like this food." Many people think this is a 'food allergy'. But is it always an allergy? It could also be a different condition called 'food intolerance.' Today, let's talk about what exactly the difference is between the two.

Are Food Allergy and Food Intolerance two different things?

Yes, these are two completely different conditions. Although many people confuse the two, the way they occur and how they affect the body is very different.

Simply put, a food allergy is when your body's immune system looks at a normally harmless food and thinks, "Oh, this is the enemy!" and starts fighting it. That means the immune system is overactive in an inappropriate way.

But food intolerance has nothing to do with the immune system. What happens is that your digestive system is unable to properly digest that food.

If both of your parents have allergies (such as food, dust, asthma), you are more likely to develop a food allergy as well.

How does an allergy develop inside the body?

This process is a bit complicated, but let's understand it simply. Imagine that in almost every tissue in our body, especially in the nose, throat, lungs, skin, and digestive tract, there is a type of cell called ' mast cells'.

1. First encounter: When you first eat a food you are allergic to, your body recognizes the allergen in that food and makes a lot of special antibodies called IgE (Immunoglobulin E) . This IgE goes and sticks to the surface of those mast cells. At this point, you don't show any symptoms. But now your body is ready to react the next time.

2. Second encounter: Now, when you eat the same food for the second time , the allergen in the food comes into contact with the IgE that is stuck on the mast cells. At that moment, the mast cells 'explode' and release a lot of chemicals like histamine that are inside.

These chemicals are what cause various allergic symptoms such as itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, and stomach pain. The food starts itching as soon as you put it in your mouth, then vomiting and stomach pain occur when it enters your stomach, and after the allergens are absorbed into your bloodstream, your blood pressure can drop. All of this happens within a short period of time, from a few minutes to an hour .

What are the most common food allergies?

The most common foods that cause allergies in adults and children are slightly different.

The good news is that allergies to milk, eggs, and soy that children develop can often be outgrown as they grow older. However, allergies to peanuts, fish, and shrimp are usually lifelong.

Is this really an allergy, or something else?

Sometimes we think it's a food allergy, but the cause could be something else. When you go to a doctor and say, "I have a food allergy," he or she will suspect these things as well.

How do you accurately diagnose a food allergy?

If you suspect you have a food allergy, don't just guess; see a doctor . The doctor will follow these steps to make a diagnosis.

1. Asking questions and taking medical history

The doctor will ask you questions like these:

• How long after eating did the symptoms appear?
• Did anyone else who ate with you have a hard time?
• How much did you eat before the reaction occurred?
• How was the food prepared (raw or cooked)?
• Did you eat anything else at that time?

2. Food Diary

Your doctor may ask you to write down everything you eat throughout the day and any reactions you have. This can help you find patterns.

3. Tests

If your doctor suspects a specific food allergy based on your symptoms and history, they may perform tests like this.

• Skin Prick Test: A drop of the suspected food is placed on the skin of your hand and a small prick is made through the skin. If the area turns red and swollen within 15-20 minutes, it is a positive result.
• Blood Tests: Tests like RAST or ELISA check for IgE antibodies in your blood against a specific food.
• Food Challenge Test: This is the most accurate method. However, it should only be done in a hospital under the supervision of a doctor . In this test, you are given a small amount of the suspected food, gradually increasing it.

How to treat it? What should I do?

The main and best treatment for a food allergy is avoidance.

• Avoiding the food: The most important thing is to completely avoid the food that causes the allergy. Some people can have severe reactions even after ingesting as little as 1/44,000th of a peanut.
• Read labels: Make it a habit to carefully read the ingredients list on every food package you buy from the store. Sometimes, these allergens can be hidden in foods we don't even think about.
• Prepare for an emergency (Anaphylaxis): Some food allergies can cause a severe, life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis . If you have a history of this,
• Your doctor will prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector (e.g., EpiPen). You should keep it with you at all times.
• Don't be afraid to use it even if you feel like you're starting to have allergy symptoms. It could save your life.
• After receiving the injection, you should immediately go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital .
• Medications: Medications such as antihistamines can control mild symptoms such as hives and itching. However, they cannot stop an allergy from occurring.

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