Allergic To Food?

Food allergies are the most common and prevalent type of allergy. Up to 12 million Americans suffer from some type of food allergy.

The most common culprits are eggs, fish and shellfish, peanuts and other tree nuts.

Children are most commonly allergic to the same foods but with the addition to milk and other dairy products.

Corn and corn products also commonly cause allergic reactions in children.

Most allergic symptoms are often only bothersome, but they can be life threatening.

The most common symptoms are itching of the mouth, eyes and skin, hives, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, often but not always accompanied by stomach cramps and wheezing, shortness of breath or trouble swallowing.

The more severe symptoms can include swelling. The swelling tends to focus on the face area causing swelling of the eyelids, lips, ears and tongue.

Mood swings and depression is another symptom.

The most severe symptoms can result in death. Around 200 deaths each year are reported from both the initial allergic reaction and secondary complications.

There is currently no cure for food allergies. While allergy shots have been developed to help with many different types of allergies, none have been successfully made for food allergies.

The people with the allergies usually avoid those foods that cause the allergic reaction. Epinephrine can relieve the symptoms, and is often carried by people diagnosed with food allergies to be used in an emergency.

Some scientists believe genetic engineering may create vaccines, but that’s still years away.