Did you get an itch after eating something? Is this a food allergy? (Common Food Allergy Triggers)

Sometimes, when you eat spicy food or spicy Indian food, you get a runny nose, right? Some people get a stomach ache when they drink milk, and they feel like they've had enough. This is often because your body "can't handle" that food. We call these food sensitivities or food intolerances. These are not problems with your immune system .

However, a food allergy is something completely different. What happens here is that your body's defense system, the immune system, mistakes a harmless food for a big enemy. So when you eat a food you're allergic to, this immune system starts a big fight to "save" you. As a result, you may get a little itchy, itchy eyes, or even have a severe condition where you can't even breathe.

Food allergies are serious, but they can be managed. The best thing to do is to identify exactly what foods you are allergic to and avoid them.

What foods cause the most allergies?

Nine major food groups account for about 90% of reported food allergies in the world. Let's take a look at what they are.

In addition to this main list, virtually any food can cause an allergy. Some of the less common allergens are:

• Corn
• Gelatin
• Meats such as beef , chicken, and goat meat
• Seeds such as sunflower and poppy seeds
• Spices like cumin, coriander, garlic, mustard

What are the symptoms of a food allergy?

An allergic reaction can start within minutes of eating the food , or it can develop several hours later. Symptoms can range from mild to very severe.

Mild symptoms commonly seen

Sometimes it can be hard to believe that these are actually caused by eating junk food.

• Skin redness, swelling, dryness, or itching. Itching, similar to hives .
• Runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, or a mild dry cough.
• Itchy, watery, and red eyes.
• Itching sensation inside the mouth or ears.
• Feeling a strange taste in the mouth.
• Stomach upset, stomach cramps , vomiting, or diarrhea.

These are serious symptoms! Seek immediate medical attention!

Most often, severe reactions can be caused by foods such as peanuts, other nuts, fish, and shellfish. However, any food can cause this condition. If you experience these symptoms , you should go to a hospital's emergency department (ETU) immediately.

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat.
• Feeling weak, confused, dizzy, or faint.
• Chest pain or a weak, irregular heartbeat.

What are the characteristics of young children?

Young children don't know how to properly describe what's happening to them, so they may say things like:

• "My mouth is squeaking"
• "My tongue feels heavy"
• "It feels like there's a frog in my throat"

Also, a child's hoarse voice and slurring of words when speaking can be signs of a severe allergy.

What is Anaphylaxis? This is life-threatening!

Sometimes an allergic reaction can be so severe that it affects the whole body and can even be life-threatening. This condition is called anaphylaxis . This is a medical emergency . It usually happens within minutes of eating the food you are allergic to. If you have asthma and a food allergy, you are at higher risk of developing anaphylaxis.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, even if you are not 100% sure that it is an allergy, doctors advise you to use that epinephrine injector without fear . The medicine will not harm you, but it can save your life. If the symptoms do not subside quickly after using epinephrine, or if the symptoms are very severe, go to a hospital's emergency department (ETU) immediately.

How to find hidden triggers in food?

The best way to manage a food allergy is to avoid the food that causes the problem. But that's not always easy. Sometimes the thing you're allergic to can be hidden as an ingredient in another food.

Think about it,

• Bakery products like cakes and biscuits are often made with eggs and may also contain nuts.
• Even a can of salmon may contain a type of milk protein.
• The dressing on a salad may be made from soybean oil.
• Even a hot dog can have hidden milk protein.

Therefore, make it a habit to carefully read the food label of any food package you buy from the store . That is the first step.

However, labels don't always tell you everything. For example, if you see "flavoring" or "natural flavoring," it could mean that the product contains something you're allergic to, such as soy protein. Similarly, words like "emulsifier" or "binder" could mean that the product contains soy or eggs.

If you have a food allergy, it's important to be aware of these common words and what they might mean. If you're unsure about a product, check with the company that makes it.

Also, when you go to a restaurant, read the menu carefully. Before ordering, it is very important for your safety to ask if you have any doubts about how the food is prepared. They will be able to help you once you explain your situation.

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