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The PHARMACIST talks about …

Food Allergy

A food allergy is an allergic response to particular foods or additives. Studies show that about 6% of children and 1% - 2% of adults have a food allergy.

As the middle ear is so closely connected with the nose and the throat, infections such as colds, influenza or tonsillitis often spread to the ear..

Babies and young children are most often allergic to milk, eggs, wheat, soybean products and peanuts. Older children and adults are most often allergic to peanuts, tree nuts (walnuts, almonds and cashews), fish and shellfish. Allergies to food dyes and colours are rare.

Many food intolerance's are mistaken for allergies. A food intolerance is an adverse food-induced reaction that does not involve the immune system. Sugars and fats do not produce an allergic response. Lactose intolerance is due to difficulty digesting the sugar in milk and is also not an allergy. Food allergies do not cause hyperactivity.

Food Allergy occurs when the body's immune system over-reacts to normally harmless substances (called allergens) in some foods. Hay Fever, Eczema and many cases of asthma are all caused by allergies. When an allergic person comes into contact with an allergen, their immune system produces a special kind of antibody. Other cells release further chemicals such as histamine that cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

While allergies are not directly inherited, you may inherit a tendency to be allergic. This is called being 'atopic'. A child with no history of allergies in the family has a 10% chance of developing hay fever, food allergies, eczema or asthma. A child with one parent with allergies has a 30% chance, whilst a child with 2 atopic parents has a 60% chance. Allergies start only if you are then exposed to an allergen.

Sign & Symptoms

Symptoms vary widely between individuals. Symptoms typically appear within minutes to two hours after the person has eaten the food to which they are allergic. The most common symptoms include:

• a tingling sensation in the mouth
• swelling of the tongue and the throat
• difficulty swallowing,
• difficulty breathing
• nasal congestion runny or itchy nose (rhinitis)
• hives or skin rash
• vomiting abdominal cramps and diarrhoea
• wheezing (this often sounds like the wheezing associated with asthma and in severe cases drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness and respiratory shock (anaphylactic shock).

Treatment Food

Allergies can only be correctly diagnosed by a Doctor. There is no cure for Food Allergies, Treatment is aimed at identifying and avoiding the trigger foods. Always check food labels carefully and do not eat anything which is unlabelled.

In case of a severe reaction (anaphylactic shock) medical attention must be sought immediately.

Try to identify the source of the problem and make every effort to avoid any known allergens, and consulting your Doctor or a Dietician is also advantageous.

Your Pharmacist may suggest an antihistamine. There are several brands available. Watch for any possible side effects which may include drowsiness, New products are on the market that have few side effects.

Vitamin C is considered by some people to have natural antihistamine properties. Vitamins & Minerals.

Supplements may be of benefit in reducing symptoms but are not a cure for allergies. You may be allergic to some substances used in vitamin and herb preparations. Always check the labels of any supplements to ensure the allergens are not present.

Garlic - and onion may reduce the severity of a skin reaction.

Bromelain (an enzyme found in pineapple) is thought to inhibit inflammation and may assist in reducing the inflammatory response triggered by allergy.

Vitamin C - reduces histamine release and the sensitivity of inflammatory cells in responding to allergens.

Albizzia may be used for it 'anti allergy' properties. It is believed to help with lowering allergy producing antibodies and reducing inflammation.

Evening Primrose Oil - has proven anti-inflammatory properties which, if taken over a period of time, may help to reduce the severity of allergies.

Feel free to come in to Healthpoint Chemist and ask our friendly staff for advice.

Please Note: The advice on this website is to be used as an educational aid only. It is not intended to replace advice from your qualified GP or medical practitioner. Please ensure that you speak to them in relation to all of your health issues.