A food allergy is an immune system response to certain proteins found in food. When someone with a food allergy ingests or comes into contact with the specific food allergen, their immune system mistakenly identifies it as harmful and produces an allergic reaction.
Dr. Ronak Ajmera says the immune system normally protects the body from harmful substances such as bacteria and viruses. However, in individuals with food allergies, the immune system overreacts to certain harmless proteins in food, triggering an allergic response. The proteins that commonly cause allergies are called allergens.
The exact cause of food allergies is not fully understood, but several factors can contribute to their development. These factors may include:
- Genetics: A family history of allergies can increase the likelihood of developing food allergies. If one or both parents have allergies, their children may be at a higher risk.
- Immune system dysfunction: An individual’s immune system may be more prone to reacting to harmless substances, such as food proteins. The immune system may mistakenly recognize certain proteins as harmful and trigger an allergic response.
- Early exposure to allergenic foods: Introducing certain allergenic foods to infants too early or too late in their development may increase the risk of developing allergies. Current guidelines suggest gradually introducing allergenic foods to infants around 4-6 months of age, alongside breastfeeding, to potentially reduce the risk of allergies.
- Environmental factors: Environmental factors, such as pollution and exposure to certain allergens, may contribute to the development of food allergies. These factors can potentially disrupt the immune system and make it more susceptible to allergies.
Common food allergens include:
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts, cashews)
- Milk
- Eggs
- Wheat
- Soy
- Fish
- Shellfish
It’s important to note that food allergies can range from mild to severe, with symptoms that may include hives, itching, swelling, digestive issues, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, life-threatening reactions known as anaphylaxis. If someone suspects they have a food allergy, it is crucial to seek medical evaluation and diagnosis for appropriate management and avoidance of allergenic foods.
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