Food allergies: From symptoms to causes; Here's all you need to know

A food allergy is a condition in which certain foods trigger an abnormal immune response. The intensity of the allergic reaction may range from mild to severe. For people who have a food allergy, even exposure to very small amounts can cause an extreme allergic reaction. Some common methods of allergy tests include blood test, skin prick test and physician-supervised blinded oral food challenge.

Most people have reactions to certain food items such as cow's milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish and shellfish. The common symptoms of an allergic reaction include rashes, vomiting, anaphylaxis, itchiness, difficulty in breathing and swollen eyes, mouth and tongue.

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People with allergies should always check the ingredients of any store-bought foods before consuming them. Here are some of the most common allergy-inducing foods.

Milk

Cow milk allergy is one of the most common types of allergies. This can be triggered by either drinking the milk or consuming its byproducts such as cream, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and butter. An allergy to cow’s milk is most often seen in babies and young children. Children or adults with this allergy tend to have a reaction within 5–30 minutes of ingesting cow’s milk.

The symptoms of milk allergy include hives, diarrhea and vomiting. People can be allergic to two different milk proteins, casein and whey. A diagnosis of cow’s milk allergy means that all milk and milk products must be avoided.

Eggs

Despite being a superfood, eggs are one of the most common types of allergens. It is possible that one may be allergic to egg white and maybe completely fine with consuming the yolk and vice versa. This is because the proteins in egg whites and egg yolks differ slightly.

Symptoms of an egg allergy can include vomiting, stomach pain, indigestion, wheezing or cough. Like other allergies, the treatment for an egg allergy is an egg-free diet. However, some people may be able to reintroduce some foods containing cooked eggs into their diet.

Wheat

A wheat allergy is an allergic response to one of the proteins found in wheat. One of the main allergens in wheat is a protein called gliadin, which is found in gluten. Because of this, people with a wheat allergy may need to eat a gluten-free diet. While some people may outgrow this allergy, it is advised to consume a wheat-free diet to avoid allergic reaction triggers.

Symptoms of a wheat allergy include asthmatic symptoms, digestion problems and rashes. A wheat allergy is often diagnosed through skin prick testing.

Fish

Allergy to fish is common and it may range from one fish to another. The degree of reaction can vary depending on the type of fish that people eat.

Symptoms of an allergic reaction to fish can include a skin rash. People can also get a runny nose, a bout of sneezing or symptoms of asthma. For people who are allergic to fish, avoiding fish and fish products is key.

Tree nuts

Allergies to tree nuts are usually lifelong. People suffering from this allergy are advised to avoid tree nuts such as cashews, almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts and pistachios. Sometimes, people with an allergy to one type of nut can also react to other nuts.

Symptoms can include hives, vomiting, low blood pressure or difficulty in swallowing. Some people can also experience itching in the mouth, throat, skin, eyes or other parts of the body. People allergic to tree nuts should avoid eating them or any foods that may contain them at all costs.

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