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Recently, I was asked several questions about the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance. One in three people think they have a food allergy, but only a small percentage of adults suffer from true food allergies. More likely, they suffer from intolerance. Unfortunately, this does not make the symptoms less unpleasant.
The term "food allergy" often defines a variety of adverse physical reactions to food. A true food allergy is an abnormal response of the body's immune system to certain foods or food ingredients. For some people, eating a little of the food involved can lead to a life-threatening reaction. Less sensitive people can tolerate small amounts of food to which they are allergic.
Unlike a food allergy, a food intolerance does not involve the immune system. However, the physical symptoms of a food intolerance, such as intestinal discomfort, may look like those of a true food allergy. Because of this, a food intolerance reaction can easily be confused with an allergic reaction. It is important that symptoms are assessed and diagnosed by an allergist certified by the board of directors.
Common physical reactions to allergic food substances include:
Skin reactions: swelling, hives, rashes.
Nose / lung reactions: nasal congestion, asthma.
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Gastric / intestinal reactions: nausea, diarrhea, gas.
Symptoms can develop immediately, within two hours, or can appear one to two days after eating a food. People who think they have had an adverse reaction should request a medical evaluation. Many typical symptoms can be caused by other diseases such as influenza or food poisoning.
The most serious type of food allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis. This reaction can occur in the moments following the consumption of the food in question, and usually involves several parts of the body. Symptoms may include hives, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness. Without immediate medical assistance, death can occur. Common foods that cause anaphylaxis are peanuts, nuts, eggs and shellfish.
The most common food allergies in adults include reactions caused by fish, crustaceans, peanuts and nuts such as nuts or pecans and eggs. In children, common food allergies are milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat and soy.
The diagnosis of a food allergy requires a physical examination by an allergist who can recommend that you consult a dietician to help you manage your diet.
Food intolerances can cause people to react negatively to food for a number of reasons. These include digestive disorders and other physical conditions that mimic symptoms of food allergy. In addition, an enzyme deficiency, such as the body's inability to digest lactose (a milk sugar), often causes gas symptoms, cramps and bloating. This is known as lactose intolerance and is not a milk allergy.
For more information, visit http://www.aaaai.org to view the website of the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology. They can help you find a list of allergists in your area, as well as general information about food allergies, other allergies and asthma. You can also visit the website on research and education on food allergies at http://www.foodallergy.org for more information and resources.
Mary Koch is a Registered Dietitian at Banner Churchill Community Hospital and VA Lahontan Valley Outpatient Clinic. Send your nutrition questions to Mary at [email protected].
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