Is it food allergy?
Adverse food reactions can happen for a lot of
different reasons; just a few include food poisoning, sulfites,
histamines, enzyme deficiencies. Food allergies are unique because
they trigger an over-reaction of the immune system to a normally harmless food protein.
IgE-mediated
food allergies are those that trigger a response from the IgE
antibodies of our immune system. These reactions trigger a release of
histamine that can lead to localized or whole body (systemic)
symptoms. When 2 or more body systems are involved in a reaction it is
considered anaphylactic.
The following summarizes symptoms that can be experienced in various body systems:
Skin: rashes, hives, swelling flushing, itching, eczema
Respiratory: runny nose/congestion, throat tightness/hoarseness, cough, wheezing
GI: itchy/swollen mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping
Cardiovascular: increased heart rate, low blood pressure, dizziness
Other: sense something is wrong often noted as impending sense of doom
The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxsis Network (FAAN) has compiled a terrific list of how a child may describe their symptoms.
A
unique IgE food allergy is Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS). OAS causes
mouth itching after eating fresh, uncooked, unpeeled fruits and
vegetables that cross-react with pollens to which an individual is
allergic.
Non-IgE mediated food allergies are those that
trigger a response from any other immune component besides IgE
antibodies. These food allergies are responsible for celiacs disease, Food Protien Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES), Protein Induced Enteropathy, Protein Induced Proctitis, and Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE).
The only treatment for IgE mediated food allergy is avoidance of the food allergen trigger. Although there are several potential treatments under clinical investigation at this time, they are not to be tried at home.
Additional Resources
The Food Allergy Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) has great information you can find here.
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology has wonderful publications, this is a great place to start navigating their many offerings.
Kids With Food Allergies is a national support organization that offers on-line publications as well as very active support forums. Start exploring their offerings here.
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