What is "Allergy"?
The most widely accepted definition of “allergy” is that it is an “idiosyncratic reaction in which the immune system is clearly involved” [Richer, 2009]. When an allergic reaction occurs, the immune system malfunctions and reacts to certain protein in foods and so the level of IgE antibodies increase to fight back the certain proteins.
When allergic reaction occurs symptoms arise, food allergies may appear almost immediately but time can vary as to when symptoms appear. Skin rashes are common symptoms of a food allergy. There are several symptoms to an allergic reaction with food but generally swelling of tongue and possibly throat, tingling sensation of the mouth, skin rashes, hives difficulty breathing, vomiting or even perhaps loss of consciousness. A severe allergic reaction is called “Anaphylaxis” which can sometimes lead to death.
Having a food allergy can make a person more prone on developing skin issues and conditions from itchy skin to an eczema flare-up. Food allergies commonly affect young children yet don’t commonly affect adults. Children are more prone to allergies than adults, 90% of children with allergies are allergic to these foods – milk, eggs, soy, wheat, peanut and tree nuts such as walnuts, pecans and almonds, though 90% of adults with allergies are mainly allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish. [Levine, 2012]
HistoryHave you heard of "Hippocrates of Cos"?
Hippocrates of Cos was the father of western medicine. He first recorded an allergic reaction to food by observing that cheese, a wholesome food for most people, caused people to be very ill even when small amounts were consumed. Not only did the father of western medicine notice food allergies but also Greek writers recorded violent reactions to eggs, honey, strawberries, nuts, oysters and other shell fish. [Walls, 1997] |