Common Food Allergens Trigger Allergic Reactions
Are you affected by food allergies in your daily life? If you experience adverse reactions after eating certain foods, it is important to seek out a food allergy treatment. Many people, however, don’t fully understand what foods are triggering their allergic reactions. With the help of your Atlanta-area allergist, it is possible to identify the food allergens affecting your health.
What Are the Top 8 Food Allergens?
While any food could potentially cause an allergic reaction, the most common food allergies are triggered by just eight types of food. Here are the main foods to consider.
- Milk – A milk allergy is most common in children, and is a reaction to proteins in animal milk. Some milk allergies are outgrown while others last a lifetime.
- Peanuts – Peanuts can cause swelling around the mouth, lips and tongue, skin hives, itching and stomach pains. In severe cases, peanut allergies lead to anaphylaxis.
- Eggs – Egg allergies are one of the most common food allergies in children. Symptoms include stomach pains, skin rashes, nasal congestion and vomiting.
- Tree nuts – Examples of tree nuts include walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, pecans and pine nuts. Allergic reactions tend to be less severe if the nuts are roasted or processed.
- Fish – It is common for fish allergies to first appear in adulthood, though children can also be affected. Most fish allergies are caused by a protein called parvalbumin.
- Shellfish – Shellfish allergies may lead to stomach aches, skin rashes, breathing issues and even anaphylaxis. Examples of shellfish include shrimp, crab, lobster, mussels, oyster, scallops and clams.
- Soy – Soy allergies typically affect younger children and as a child ages, are often outgrown. Symptoms will usually present themselves almost immediately after consuming soy.
- Wheat – Wheat is a more common food allergy in children, but it can have severe consequences for adults. Many cereals, pastries, cakes and pizzas contain wheat.
Why Do Food Allergens Trigger Allergic Reactions?
Allergic reactions are caused when the immune system treats the presence of an allergen as a threat. Most common food allergies are caused when the immune system releases an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE), which subsequently causes the release of chemicals that trigger an allergic reaction.
To treat a food allergy, your allergist will conduct food allergy testing to determine the allergen at fault. After a diagnosis, a combination of allergen avoidance and oral immunotherapy treatment can reduce the impact of an allergy and prevent allergic reactions.
Get Effective Treatment for Food Allergies
Are you suffering from a food allergy? Chacko Food Allergy Treatment Center has many years of experience diagnosing and treating common food allergies affecting adults and children. Make an appointment at one of our locations in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Druid Hills, Duluth or Johns Creek. Call (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment online.
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