Food allergies

Spring is here which means so are your allergies. What are allergies? Allergies are an allergic reaction to an overreaction of the immune system to a substance called an allergen. Allergens can include a variety of things such as chemicals, foods, medicines, mold, plants, pollen, and so on. Each person reacts differently to certain allergens. Some may suffer from mild reactions whereas others may react with severe and life-threatening reactions. A common allergy is to foods. The reason for allergic reactions to food is because when your body has certain foods it thinks they are trying to harm you. In response your body fights back by setting off an allergic reaction. Most the time the symptoms are mild and include sneezing, a rash, stuffy nose, or an upset stomach. However, there is always the chance of having severe reactions which can be deadly. Serious reactions can be treated quickly though. Food allergies can cause all sorts of symptoms. Some of the many other symptoms include your mouth tingling and swelling of your lips, cramps, upset stomach, hives, the feeling of being dizzy and or feeling lightheaded. Food allergies are more common in children than adults. Studies have shown that about seven out of one hundred kids have food allergies whereas only about three or four adults have food allergies. As a child you will usually outgrow the allergy but if you have a food allergy as an adult you most likely will have it for life. The most severe reaction is called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis affects your whole body and usually starts within an hour after you eat the food you’re allergic to. If you experience anaphylaxis your throat and tongue may quickly swell, you may start wheezing or have trouble breathing, you may feel sick to your stomach, or feel faint. Anaphylaxis is extremely serious and can be deadly. Overall there is so much to know about food allergies. I am lucky enough not to have any food allergies and I hope everyone else is too!