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About Food Allergies & Intolerance
A true food allergy affects the immune system, and even small amounts of the offending food can trigger a range of symptoms, which can be severe or life-threatening known as anaphylaxis. In contrast, a food intolerance often affects only the digestive system and causes less serious symptoms, usually gastrointestinal symptoms, nausea, vomiting, or dehydration.
Emergency treatment is critical for anaphylaxis. Untreated, anaphylaxis can cause a coma or even death.
Food Allergies
Symptoms
Food allergy symptoms usually develop within a few minutes to two hours after eating the offending food. Rarely, symptoms may be delayed for several hours. The most common food allergy symptoms include:
- Tingling or itching in the mouth
- Hives, itching or eczema
- Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, and throat or other parts of the body
- Wheezing, nasal congestion or trouble breathing
- Belly pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, light-headedness or fainting
Anaphylaxis
In some people, a food allergy can trigger a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This can cause life-threatening symptoms, including:
- Constriction and tightening of the airways
- A swollen throat or the sensation of a lump in the throat that makes breathing difficult
- Shock with a severe drop in blood pressure
- Rapid pulse and heartbeat
- Dizziness or light-headedness
- Loss of consciousness
Treatment
Many people who experience severe or life-threatening reactions from allergies, including food allergies, carry an Epipen to inject epinephrine. Use an over-the-counter antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or loratadine (Claritin), to treat mild symptoms for non-life-threatening reactions.
Food Intolerance
People with food intolerance don’t make enough of a particular enzyme that the digestive system needs to break down a certain food or ingredient. Experts aren’t sure why some people develop food intolerance. Certain gastrointestinal conditions may make you more prone to food sensitivities. These conditions include celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, Croh n’s disease, ulcerative colitis.
Common Types
Lactose
People who are lactose intolerant don’t make enough lactase enzyme to break down lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. This food intolerance is the most common.
Histamine
Histamines are naturally occurring chemicals in foods like cheese, pineapples, bananas, avocados and chocolate. Red wine and some white wines also have histamines. People who are histamine intolerant don’t make enough diamine oxidase enzyme to break down this chemical.
Gluten
Gluten is a protein in wheat, rye and barley. Gluten sensitivity isn’t the same as having celiac disease, a type of autoimmune disease. When you have celiac disease, gluten damages the small intestines. If you have a non-celiac gluten sensitivity, your body has a harder time digesting gluten.
Symptoms
Gastrointestinal symptoms are most commonly associated with food intolerance. Common symptoms:
- Upset stomach
- Abdominal (belly) pain
- Diarrhea
- Gas and bloating
- Headaches or migraines
- Heartburn
- Nausea
Treatment
Over-the-counter medicines like antacids or antidiarrheals can help. Lactase enzyme pills can help prior to lactose consumption for lactose intolerance. People who cut back on products with gluten need to eat more fresh vegetables, fruit and gluten-free whole grains to make sure they get enough fiber and other nutrients such as B vitamins in their diets extremely important to their health.