Allergies to given substances are attributed to about 1/3 of the population, but this does not mean that we are dealing with a food allergy. This occurs in 4-8% of children and 2-4% of adults.
The most common food allergy concerns such substances as cow's milk, celery, cereals, nuts, fish, seafood, tomato, soy, citrus. Untreated disorder in children can lead to the development of allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma. Genes are most often responsible for its occurrence - food allergy is hereditary.
Is food allergy dangerous?
Eating food with an allergen most often causes digestive system reactions - diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, but it also happens with other symptoms such as atopic dermatitis and anaphylactic shock. Asthma sufferers are particularly vulnerable to anaphylactic shock.
Children may also have respiratory tract infections and even sleep problems. It should be remembered, however, that allergy to given ingredients or intolerance (e.g. lactose or fructose) is not the same as food allergy, which can have much more serious effects.
Food allergy treatment
Diagnosis and treatment of food allergies are not at all complicated. You should go to an allergist, perform skin tests and blood tests that show intolerance, and then choose an elimination diet.
If we have a problem eliminating certain substances and ingredients from our diet, it is worth going to a dietitian who will write a menu providing the necessary micro- and macroelements, while avoiding ingredients that are dangerous for us.
