I Can’t Eat That! Food Allergies and Intolerances
Wondering whether that dicky tummy or rash could be down to something you’ve eaten? Read on…
What’s the diff erence between food allergy and food intolerance?
A food allergy aff ects the immune system. Symptoms usually appear within a few minutes of eating the off ending food, and can include a skin rash, upset stomach (eg vomiting), stomach pains and wheezing. The most severe allergic reaction is anaphylaxis, which can aff ect breathing and send the body into shock. Without treatment, anaphylaxis can be life- threatening, which is why it’s so important for people with a known allergy to carry an EpiPen if they’ve been prescribed one, and to teach colleagues, friends and family members how to use it.
Food intolerances are more common than food allergies.
Symptoms include irritable bowel
syndrome, bloating, stomach upsets, eczema, migraines and even arthritis. The immune system isn’t aff ected and symptoms might not appear for a couple of hours, which can make it harder to work out what type of food is causing the problem.
While you can be allergic or intolerant to any type of food, there are eight common culprits: • • •
Peanuts Tree nuts Eggs
• Milk • •
Fish
• Wheat •
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Shellfi sh Soy
If you have an allergy or intolerance to one type of food, you may well be allergic to other types in the same food group. Diagnosis You’ll need to see your GP if you suspect you have an allergy or intolerance, so that they can rule out any other causes for your symptoms. They’ll then likely refer you to a specialist for tests. Food allergies can often be diagnosed with blood or skin reaction tests. Intolerances are more diffi cult to diagnose. You may be asked to follow an ‘elimination and challenge’ diet, if necessary, to try to determine what foods you’re intolerant to. You’ll be asked to cut out certain types of food for a period of time, then reintroduce them gradually.
Treatment If you’re allergic or intolerant to a type of food, you’ll need to avoid it completely. Of course, that’s easier said than done. Ingredients such as milk powder and egg white are often used in products you wouldn’t expect to fi nd them in. And restaurants aren’t always as vigilant as they should be about cross-contamination. So you might be prescribed steroids, antihistamines, or an epinephrine autoinjector (EpiPen) if you have an allergy. You may also be referred to a dietician, to make sure you’re still getting all the nutrition your body needs.
The website
www.allergyuk.org has a wealth of information about allergies and intolerances. If you don’t have access to the internet, try the helpline on 01322 619898.
To advertise in thewire t. 07720 429 613 e. fi
ona@thewireweb.co.uk
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