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 exercise exacerbate a food allergy?
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As we all know, heavy breathing often comes with vigorous exercise, but having trouble breathing should not, nor should becoming dizzy, breaking out in hives, or going into shock. But for some individuals with food allergies, eating something and... Full Answer
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- Q How common are gluten allergies?
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Eighteen million people in the United States are sensitive or allergic to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. The hard-to-digest "gluey" substance is a hidden danger and a much bigger problem to people's digestive systems than... Full Answer
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- Q Can gluten intolerance cause a cough?
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Betty Long, RN, MHA, NursingGluten intolerance typically presents with gastrointestinal symptoms like stomach upset, diarrhea, etc., but there have been many patients who have complained of a persistent cough. The cough diminishes when they pay attention to what they eat and they... Full Answer
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- Q Do people outgrow their allergies?
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It is possible to outgrow an allergy, and some foods have a greater potential for outgrowth than others. Milk and egg allergies for example are often outgrown, but allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, or shellfish are generally lifelong... Full Answer
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- Q Why has there been an increase in food allergies?
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Dr. Leigh Vinocur, Emergency MedicineThe Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) states that food allergies affect about 3% of the general population. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 15 million people have food allergies, accounting for over... Full Answer
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- Q Are peanuts the only foods that can cause a severe allergic reaction?
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Peanuts can cause very serious reactions. Other foods have been known to cause a severe reactions as well. Full Answer
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- Q Should I be cautious if I have a food intolerance, not an allergy?
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An intolerance to a food can cause very unpleasant symptoms, but they are not life threatening. Make sure you work with a health care provider to determine if your response is an allergy or an intolerance. Full Answer
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- Q If I think I am allergic to a food, should I stop eating it?
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Removing a food, or group of foods, from your diet can leave you with an unbalanced diet, which may cause other health problems. Consult your health care provider who may refer you to a registered dietitian before making significant changes in... Full Answer
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- Q How many people have food allergies?
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An estimated 2.5 percent of Americans — 7.5 million people — have at least one food allergy and young black children with asthma appear to be at the highest risk, according to a recent 2010 study. Full Answer
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- Q How can I help my child manage her food allergy in school?
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Stacy Wiegman, PharmacyYou can help your child manage her food allergy in school by teaching her which foods to steer clear of and how and when to tell an adult if she’s having an allergic reaction. Make sure she understands what it feels like when an allergic reaction... Full Answer
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