|
|
|
|
NEWS & NOTES
Written By:
Sakina N. Bharani, M.D. FOOD ALLERGY Most people can eat any food without any difficulty whatsoever but in some cases severe life-threatening symptoms may occur after eating even a small amount of certain food or foods to which the individual is sensitive. Food allergy may develop at any age but is more commonly manifested at a younger age. An individual can develop the sensitivity to a particular food after eating the same food for many years without any symptoms. Food allergy may produce a wide variety of symptoms which could involve all parts of the body. In the gastrointestinal tract, it may produce diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and cramps (colic in infants). In the respiratory system, the symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, nasal congestion with itching and watery drainage, sneezing and frequent throat clearing. Itchy, red, watery and swollen eyes may be caused by certain foods. Skin manifestation of food allergy may involve generalized itching and hives all over the body such as lip, eyes, face, tongue and may even involve the throat, creating an emergency situation. Food allergies can also aggravate the eczema. A few cases of migraine headaches have been attributed to food allergy. In a few cases a child may become hyperactive, irritable or aggressive because of a food allergy. There are two main types of allergic reactions to foods: immediate and delayed. The immediate type may develop rapidly often within minutes after the offending food is eaten. This is especially true if patients who are allergic to nuts, eggs, fish, and rarely legumes. The delayed allergic reaction to foods may develop hours or even a day after eating the offending food. Other common allergic foods are cow’s milk, wheat, corn, tomatoes, chocolate, pork, citrus fruits, strawberries, and some vegetables. Beverages containing yeast and hops, such as in beer and wine, fermented cheese, dry sausage and sauerkraut are also the culprits. Food additives, such as vegetable gum, artificial colors and preservatives like Sodium Nitrate, Sodium Benzoate, Monosodium Glutamate (Chinese Restaurant Syndrome) may cause reaction in individuals allergic to these chemicals. Recently certain sulfating agents are marketed as “vegetable fresheners” and “potato whiteners” to preserve freshness, prevent browning and increase shelf life of the foods. According to some studies, about 5 to 10% of asthmatics are sensitive to these agents. The symptoms include sudden onset of wheezing, fainting, flushing, hives and gastrointestinal disturbances. Major food categories to which sulfating agents are often added include beer, fruit, gelatin, potatoes (frozen or dried), salads, sauces and gravies, Cole slaw and mushrooms. A detailed history of allergic symptoms is still the best approach for the diagnosis of food allergy. Elimination of the suspected food allergen followed by a challenge (provocation) is very helpful. Skin tests are quite helpful in patients who have immediate reactions to foods. When the food allergy develops many hours after eating, due to a digested breakdown product of the food in question, the skin tests are less reliable. “Sublingual testing” in which food extracts are placed under the tongue is unreliable and not an accepted procedure. The most effective treatment of food allergy is the elimination of those foods which produce symptoms. Treatment by injections containing food extracts has not been proven to be of value. FACTS ABOUT THE STINGING INSECTSEvery year many people are stung by “HYMENOPTERA,” a group of insects including honey bees, wasps, hornets, and yellow jackets. Reactions to these stings vary from simple discomfort to acute allergic reactions which, in some instances, may result in death. It is estimated that one to two million people in the United States are severely allergic to the venom of stinging insects, and about forty deaths are reported every year. REACTIONS that occur in sensitive people following a sting may take various forms. One sting in a highly allergic person may prove fatal within minutes. Fortunately, these extreme reactions are rare. In moderately sensitive individuals, reactions may appear in form of widespread swellings or hives, wheezing, dizziness, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. There may be some shortness of breath, nasal discharge, stuffiness in the nose and some tightness in the throat. In mild reactions, all that may develop is a large swelling at the sting area. Since perfumes, hair sprays, suntan lotions and other cosmetics may attract insects, these substances should not be used by sensitive people during outdoor activity. Bright colors and flowery prints should also be avoided. It is highly advisable for the people who are allergic to stinging insects to carry an emergency kit containing adrenaline that can be administered in case of a severe reaction. These patients can be tested for the specific insect sensitivity with venom, and appropriate venom immunotherapy can be administered.
PLEASE NOTE:
The information in this “News and Notes” represents general guidance in the
field of Allergy.
Nothing
herein stated shall be construed as a specific or implied treatment for an
ailment.
|
Send mail to
webmaster@allergistsdupage.com with
questions or comments about this web site.
|
