Food allergies are a frequent cause of discomfort and poor health in both adults and children. Each year, many people in the Atlanta area will seek food allergy testing after experiencing a mild, moderate or severe allergic reaction. But while this issue is common, many people are unaware of the variety of possible allergic triggers. By identifying the most common allergy-causing foods, you can be prepared for all allergy symptoms – and address any health concerns quickly.
How Common Are Food Allergies?
It’s no secret that a food allergy can be a tricky obstacle, but did you know that food allergies are actually quite common? Believe it or not, nearly 5% of adults and 8% of children have at least one food allergy, and most of these allergies boil down to 8 ingredients that are most commonly the culprit. Let’s take a closer look.
The Top 8 Most Common Food Allergies
Eggs
An egg allergy is quite common in children, but most tend to grow out of it by the time they turn 16. Common symptoms of an egg allergy include: digestive issues, skin rashes or hives, and respiratory distress. While it is possible to have an allergy to just egg whites or just the yolk, egg whites are the most likely to cause a reaction.
Tree Nuts
Nearly 1% of the US population has some sort of tree nut allergy. While this allergy is common, it is one of the more tricky allergies as so many different foods can either be made with or near tree nuts. Those who have been diagnosed with a tree nut allergy are often advised to avoid all tree nuts, as an allergy to one can increase the risk of developing an allergy to another tree nut. Carrying an EpiPen is also strongly advised.
Cow’s Milk
This allergy is quite common in babies, especially if they have been exposed to cow’s milk before reaching 6 months old. If your baby suffers from this allergy and is breastfed, then momma will need to remove all cow’s milk products from her diet as well. Common symptoms include swelling, vomiting, rashes, and hives. While it can affect children through their toddler years, 90% of children will outgrow this allergy.
Shellfish
Because shellfish can often trigger unpleasant reactions if contaminated, it is often hard to distinguish a shellfish allergy from a case of food poisoning. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. This type of allergy has not been known to resolve over time, so those who are affected will most likely need to avoid shellfish permanently.
Peanuts
This allergy presents itself similarly to that of tree nuts, and can be quite severe in some cases. In fact, many people who have a peanut allergy also have an allergy to tree nuts. This allergy most commonly affects children, but is often outgrown during the teenage years.
Soy
This allergy is most common in children under the age of 3, but nearly 70% of affected children will outgrow the allergy. Common symptoms include a tingling mouth, a runny nose, rashes, and breathing difficulties. The most important thing you can do when you have a soy allergy is to always read food labels, as many common foods contain soy.
Wheat
A wheat allergy will present itself very similarly to other allergic reactions with common symptoms including digestive issues, vomiting, hives, rashes, and swelling. This allergy most commonly affects children, but most will outgrow it by the time they reach the age of 10. Those with a wheat allergy tend to have severe reactions that could potentially be fatal, so it is advised to avoid wheat products entirely.
Fish
Nearly 2% of adults are affected by a fish allergy. Unlike many other food allergies, a fish allergy can actually develop in adulthood. Reactions are quite severe, and those affected are advised to carry an EpiPen. Common symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. Similarly to the shellfish allergy, fish allergies are often hard to detect due to the fact that the symptoms are often mistaken for food poisoning.
Regardless of which food allergy you may have, you should always consult with your allergist to discuss how to properly manage your diet and whether or not you should carry an EpiPen. All food allergies can become severe under the right circumstances, so you want to make sure you are fully prepared should there be an emergency.
With a range of food allergy treatment options available to you, there’s no need to suffer uncomfortable and risky symptoms. Over-the-counter drugs like antihistamines, allergist-prescribed medication – and the desensitization process of oral immunotherapy treatment – can all provide some relief. With the help of your allergist, you can stay healthy and greatly lower the risk of severe allergic reactions.
Professional Food Allergy Treatments in Atlanta
Chacko Food Allergy Treatment Center provides safe, dependable food allergy testing and treatment at our allergy centers in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth and Johns Creek. If you experience symptoms from the most common food allergies, visit us for trusted guidance and treatment. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment today.
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