Food Allergy

Food allergies: causes, symptoms and prevention

A food allergy is a reaction of the immune system to certain food components. This is a type of food intolerance that can lead to an acute reaction in the body. In food allergies, the immune system perceives certain proteins in food as hostile and begins to fight them by producing antibodies and chemicals such as histamine that cause various symptoms.

Food allergies have a huge impact on the formation and subsequent development of all allergic diseases in children. It can cause acute conditions such as anaphylactic shock, severe forms of bronchial obstruction, allergic vasculitis, and can also support chronic and recurrent lesions of the ENT organs, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, nervous and cardiovascular systems.

Symptoms of food allergies can manifest differently in different people. Some people may only experience mild irritation, while others may have a life-threatening reaction. Some of the most common symptoms of food allergies include:

1. Itching, redness, or swelling of the skin
2. Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
3. Hives, eczema, or other skin rashes
4. Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
5. Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or whistling in the chest
6. Headache, weakness or dizziness
7. Anaphylactic shock, which can lead to loss of consciousness or even death.

Among the main factors involved in the development of food allergies, genetic predisposition to the development of allergic diseases, the entry of antibodies into the body during the prenatal period and through human milk, short duration of natural feeding, the nature of the allergen, its dose, frequency of administration, and the age of the child at first contact are traditionally named. with an allergen, increased permeability of the gastrointestinal mucosa, decreased local intestinal immunity, changes in the composition of the intestinal microflora.

The most common and potent allergens include cow's milk, fish, eggs, nuts, peanuts, soy, wheat, grains, fruits and vegetables. In addition, some food additives, such as preservatives, colors and flavors, can also cause an allergic reaction.

To prevent food allergies, you need to monitor the composition of food products and avoid potentially dangerous ingredients. If you have already been diagnosed with a food allergy, it is important to know how to quickly and effectively cope with a possible reaction. To do this, you must have an automatic syringe injector with epinephrine, which can save lives in the event of anaphylactic shock.

In addition, to prevent food allergies, it is important to lead a healthy lifestyle, strengthen the immune system, eat right and monitor the quality of food products. If you suspect a food allergy, contact an allergist who will diagnose and prescribe the necessary treatment.