One of the problems with food allergies is actually the confusion created by the term allergic. Some people might claim to be ‘allergic’ to a particular food but that could mean that it simply doesn’t agree with them or that they suffer from life threatening anaphalxis and unless they specify you could be in the dark as to the reality of their food issues.
I can’t tell you the number of times people have rolled their eyes at us when we’ve told them our daughter has severe allergies. If the Medical Alert bracelet and the EpiPen Jr aren’t enough to convince them then I don’t know what is!
When it comes to reactions to food there are three main categories (and this does not include digestive disorders such as Coeliac’s disease or inflammatory or irritable bowel etc). Those categories are food intolerance, mild to moderate allergic reactions and anaphalaxis.
Food intolerance
This is generally the category that most people who have ‘food allergies’ fit into. Basically when they eat something that their body has trouble with they can experience uncomfortable symptoms. These symptoms could range from indigestion or heartburn to diahorrea or constipation. These symptoms generally begin about 4 hours after they have ingested the problem food but can occur even up to 48 hours afterwards. Though the symptoms are unpleasant they are not generally as severe as allergic reactions.
However, undiagnosed food intolerances can cause long term constipation or digestive issues where the nutrients you are eating are not absorbed by your body and in babies and infants this could present as a failure to thrive. In order to determine food intolerances current medical practice is to place you on an Elimination Diet for a short duration, no longer than 3 weeks, where you test your sensitivity and receptivity to different naturally occurring food additives and chemicals including but not limited to salicylates, amines and MSG.
Once you have determined the source of your intolerances you adjust your diet and live free from uncomfortable side effects!
Mild to moderate allergic reactions
When we use the term mild or moderate allergic reactions we are generally referring to allergic reactions that are not anaphalactic. These reactions can occur within minutes of coming into contact with an allergen and generally present within 4 hours (though it’s usually more like 1 hour). Reactions include hives, swelling of the lips, puffy eyes, rash, vomiting and diahorrea. For these reactions an antihistamine is generally the medication given immediately though depending on the severity of the reaction a steroid medicine like a Redipred or similar may be prescribed by your doctor.
Avoidance is the key here. You will need to avoid your allergens and some doctors even encourage using a daily antihistamine to give your body a fighting chance to stave off reactions if you accidentally come into contact with your allergen. Often there are equally nutritious and delicious alternatives on the market to replace allergens in your diet.
Anaphalxis
This is the most severe form of allergic reaction and generally presents within minutes of coming into contact or ingesting the allergen. Reactions include wheezy coughs and trouble breathing due to swelling of the airways, young children may become floppy and pale, lethargy and ultimately unconsciousness and potentially death.
Adrenaline, usually in the form of an EpiPen or EpiPen Jr, is used in this situation followed by a dose of antihistamine. Though one dose of adrenaline is often enough to stop the anaphalaxis sometimes a second dose is required. The antihistamine is to help calm the secondary allergic reaction that occurs after the adrenaline. Basically the adrenaline helps open the airways and prevent deadly side effects but it speeds up a moderate allergic reaction which is typically presented as hives.
Anaphalaxis is potentially deadly and those who have life threatening allergies are encouraged to wear Medical Alert bracelets that notify others of their allergies should something occur. They also need to carry adrenalin with them everywhere they go and need to avoid even the slightest contact with their allergens.
The majority of schools, preschools and day care centres are nut free these days due to the high prevalence of nut allergies and whilst it is an inconvenience to some, it is life and death the others.
Helpful hints
- Peppermint tea is a great natural aid for digestive upset and is recommended for food intolerances and for people suffering from irritable bowel symptoms
- Try to accurately diagnose whether your discomfit is an intolerance or an allergy. If in doubt, get it checked out
- If you are taking food to mothers groups or even round for morning tea with other small children always check for the existence of allergies first
- Make your mothers group nut free
- ASCIA is an Australasian body that deals with allergies. If you or your children are diagnosed with allergies make sure that your treatment plan adheres to their standards. They can be found here.
Originally posted 2014-06-23 22:33:49.