Food Allergies & Food Intolerance
An allergy to peanuts, shellfish, eggs, soy or wheat triggers symptoms similar to those for an intolerance to certain foods, like dairy products. Food allergies occur when the body attacks a food it mistakes as harmful, causing symptoms such as nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, shortness of breath or hives. With food intolerance, the digestive system alone rejects the food, finding it difficult to digest properly. This can result in nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, heartburn, headaches or gas.
Recently Answered
- Q Can reactions to food allergies cause death in children?
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Niamh van Meines, NursingAny allergic reaction that causes swelling in the airway can cause death. Children have smaller airways so they are at risk of death if their airway is compromised. If an allergy to food is known and the severity of the allergic reaction puts the child... Full Answer
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- Q Why should people with peanut allergies wear medical alert devices?
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If you have a severe allergic reaction to peanuts, you should wear a medical alert device. In case of an emergency, medical alert necklace or bracelet can help emergency workers identify and treat the emergency more efficiently. A medical alert bracelet... Full Answer
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- Q Should I talk to my doctor about my peanut allergy symptoms?
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If you notice any symptoms of a peanut allergy, you should talk to your doctor. This is especially important because allergic reactions to peanuts can be life-threatening if they're severe. A doctor or allergy specialist will be able to diagnose the... Full Answer
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- Q How is peanut allergy related to anaphylaxis?
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Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can potentially become life-threatening. Anaphylactic reactions can be caused by foods, medications, insect stings, and latex, but the most common cause is peanuts. The symptoms of anaphylaxis can begin... Full Answer
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- Q Do children grow out of a peanut allergy?
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About one in five children grows out of a peanut allergy. However, children grow out of other food allergies more frequently than they do peanut allergies. Even if a child grows out of a peanut allergy, there is a chance that it may develop again during... Full Answer
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- Q How can I protect my child from an allergic reaction to peanuts?
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The only way to prevent an allergic reaction to peanuts is to keep your child from eating or breathing in peanut protein. Read food labels carefully, and make sure your home doesn't have any products that contain peanuts. The Food and Drug Administration... Full Answer
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- Q Who is most at risk for peanut allergy?
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Children are most at risk for developing peanut allergy and any other food allergy. Peanut allergy symptoms usually start to appear within the first few years of childhood. Interestingly, about one in five children eventually outgrow peanut allergy.... Full Answer
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- Q What causes a peanut allergy?
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Researchers have yet to discover what causes a person to develop a peanut allergy. For some reason, your immune system decides that peanut proteins are a threat to your body and develops antibodies that will cause an allergic reaction when you next... Full Answer
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- Q What do I need to know about caring for someone with peanut allergy?
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First, you should know that your friend or family member allergic to peanuts cannot eat them or be exposed to them in any way. The best way to prevent allergic reactions is to read food labels and ask questions about the food prepared for your loved one.... Full Answer
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- Q Can I eat at restaurants if I have a peanut allergy?
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You can still eat at restaurants if you have a peanut allergy, but you should follow the American Dietetics Association's tips for a safe dining experience. Get a menu ahead of time so you can figure out which options are safe. When you are at the... Full Answer
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