All about allergy

Author: Jatinder Singh, MD, Staff Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine, St Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital Center, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Coauthor(s): Mark Clark, MD, Associate Program Director, Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, St Luke’s/Roosevelt Hospital Center, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Editors: Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM, Research Director, Assistant […]

Most people with food allergies do well if they are able to avoid their trigger foods. With time, many people lose their antibodies to the foods to which they once were allergic to, or “outgrow” the allergy.
This is most likely to happen if the trigger food is identified and eliminated from the diet.
This is especially […]

The only sure way to prevent future food allergies is to avoid eating a trigger food. Take care because a trigger can be present in many different foods; only a trace amount can cause a reaction.
Learn to read food labels carefully and know which ingredients you should avoid.
When eating in restaurants, ask what ingredients are […]

Be sure to let your primary health care provider know about the reaction later if he or she was not involved in your treatment.
An allergy specialist (allergist) can determine the difference between true food allergy and food intolerance.
The allergist will ask you about the sequence of events that led to the reaction and record a […]

The choice of medication and how it is given depends on the severity of the reaction.
Epinephrine
This drug is given only in very severe reactions (anaphylaxis).
Epinephrine is injected and acts as a bronchodilator (dilates the breathing tubes).
It also constricts the blood vessels, increasing blood pressure.
Another medication with similar effects may be given instead.
For a less severe […]

In a severe reaction, the first priority is to protect your airway (breathing) and your blood pressure.
Your health care provider will make sure that your airway is open and that you are getting enough oxygen.
Oxygen may be given through a tube into the nose or by face mask.
In severe respiratory distress, mechanical ventilation may be […]

For localized hives or other mild skin reactions
Take cool showers or apply cool compresses.
Wear light clothing that doesn’t irritate your skin.
Take it easy. Keep your activity level low.
To relieve the itching, apply calamine lotion or take over-the-counter antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or chlorpheniramine maleate (Chlor-Trimeton).
For all other reactions, especially severe reactions, self-treatment is not […]

After getting advice from your health care provider, some mild allergic reactions may be treated at home. Any worsening of symptoms requires medical attention.
 
Allergy journal

Generally a food allergy is identified by signs and symptoms. Medical professionals are trained to recognize hives, swelling patterns, rashes, and other symptoms associated with allergic reactions.
You will be asked questions about your medical history and possible triggers of the reaction.
Blood tests and other tests are needed only under very unusual circumstances, such as anaphylaxis.
Some […]

If you experience symptoms of food allergy, call your health care provider right away for advice.
He or she may recommend that you go to a hospital emergency department.
If you are unable to reach your health care provider and are concerned about your symptoms, go to the emergency department.
Severe reactions, including symptoms such as difficulty breathing, […]

A person with a food allergy can have symptoms beginning as soon as 2 minutes after eating the food, but reactions may take 1-2 hours to appear. Occasionally, symptoms abate quickly, only to recur in 3-4 hours.
The most common symptoms include the following:
Itching of the skin followed by hives, a rash of raised, reddish bumps […]

An allergic reaction occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to an allergen, in this case a food protein.
The white blood cells produce an antibody to this allergen, called immunoglobulin E or IgE.
When this antibody comes in contact with the particular food protein, it promotes production and release of certain chemicals called “mediators.” Histamine is […]

For someone with a food allergy, eating or swallowing even a tiny amount of a particular food can cause symptoms such as skin rash, nausea, vomiting, cramping, and diarrhea. Because the body is reacting to something that is otherwise harmless, this type of allergic reaction is often called a hypersensitivity reaction. Rarely, a severe allergic […]