Food Allergy

Definition

A food allergy is an immune system reaction that occurs after eating a certain food. Even a small amount of the food can trigger symptoms such as digestive problems, hives, or swollen airways.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Food allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies a protein in food as harmful and launches an immune response against it. This response can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition. Common allergenic proteins are typically found in peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, eggs, milk, wheat, and soy.

Benefits

• Increased awareness of trigger foods leading to better management of diet
• Encouragement to learn about nutrition and ingredient labels
• Promotion of a proactive health-oriented lifestyle

Examples

• Peanut allergy
• Shellfish allergy
• Milk allergy

Additional Information

• Side effects: Potential side effects of food allergies include skin reactions, respiratory issues, and cardiovascular symptoms. In severe cases, they can lead to anaphylactic shock, which requires immediate medical attention.

Related Terms

• Food Intolerance
• Anaphylaxis
• Immune System

References

• Understanding Food Allergies
• Food Allergy Basics