People most at risk
Food allergy affects about two million people in France. It often occurs in young children, and fortunately a lot of food allergies disappear during the first five years.
To read our files:
- My baby is allergic to milk.
- Food allergy in children.
The causes of allergies are different, but it nevertheless appears that family history of allergy is one of the most predictive. Indeed, children with one allergic parent have twice the risk of developing food allergy than children without allergic parents.
Food allergy is linked to immune system dysfunction. A substance (the allergen) was first in contact with the immune system. When it is the second time in contact with the allergen, there is a release of biochemical substances – including histamine – an abnormal reaction will be triggered. The allergic reaction may be more or less severe and “speak” differently depending on the allergen itself, or the immune mechanisms involved.
Symptoms
The symptoms of allergic reactions from food are not necessarily digestive disorder. They are varied and may manifest as:
Skin Signs: The eczema appears, the skin is red, sometimes oozing, and itching. These symptoms often occur in infants.
Urticaria in adults and children, may be another manifestation of allergy. The skin is covered with red spots on a more or less extent, sometimes forming real plates that can be very impressive, especially if it is a giant or generalized urticaria, or swelling of the lining of the throat.
- The oral manifestations: A tingling at the back of the throat, swollen lips and possibly a hindrance to swallow.
- Signs respiratory and eye: A difficulty in breathing, rhinitis or conjunctivitis, can be manifestations of food allergy.
- Signs Gastrointestinal disorders: gastrointestinal symptoms of food allergies are nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea.
- Anaphylactic shock A: It is serious and requires immediate medical treatment. The warning signs are generally feeling unwell, with itching and difficulty breathing. Sometimes it leads to unconsciousness with a voltage drop. And in the most extreme cases, cardiac arrest.