Food allergies are very common. About 32 million people in the U.S. have food allergies, including 10.8% of all adults and 7.6% of children.
Food Allergy Symptoms
Symptoms of food allergies can vary from mild to severe. They usually develop quickly within minutes to two hours of consuming the allergen. Symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Nasal congestion
- Tingling or itching in the mouth
- Hives
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue and/or throat
- Wheezing or trouble breathing
People with severe food allergies may experience anaphylaxis. This is a life-threatening reaction that can cause constriction of the airways, swollen throat, rapid pulse, drop in blood pressure and shock. It requires urgent emergency medical treatment.
Foods Most Likely To Cause an Allergic Reaction
While you can develop an allergy to any food, a small number of foods make up the majority of food allergies. They include:
- Cow’s milk
- Eggs
- Tree nuts
- Shellfish
- Peanuts
- Fish
- Wheat
- Soy
- Sesame
It’s important to note that many of these foods are contained in other foods, which is why it becomes extremely important to pay attention to ingredient lists if you or your child has food allergies.
What To Do if You Think You Have a Food Allergy
If you are experiencing what you think might be food allergy symptoms, you should make an appointment with an allergist. They can perform allergy testing via skin prick and/or blood tests to confirm your diagnosis and identify your specific food allergy triggers.
The main way to manage food allergies is to avoid any food that triggers your symptoms. Make sure to:
- Check the food labels of any products you buy at the grocery store
- Find out if your allergens go by any other name
- Tell your server at Peninsula Grill about your allergies and double-check that what you ordered does not contain any triggers.
If you are diagnosed with a food allergy, there’s a good chance your allergist will prescribe you an epinephrine injector to be used in case of anaphylaxis. It’s important you know how to use it correctly in case of emergencies and make sure to carry it with you at all times.
If you have additional questions about food allergies or wish to schedule an appointment with one of our experts, call Charleston ENT & Allergy today.