​Food allergy can trigger THESE diseases (symptoms you should know)​

Food allergy is an immune response to certain kinds of food. "The global prevalence of true food allergy, i.e., immunologically mediated intolerance reactions, is around 2% to 5 % among children and adults, although some western countries have even shown a prevalence of 10%. Most IgE-mediated allergies occur mostly in childhood and generally resolve between the ages of 5-10 years. Some allergies may persist into adulthood," says By Dr.Shefali Desai MD DCP, Consultant Pathologist and Associate Vice President - Metropolis. Food allergy is characterized by different symptoms which are mentioned below.

"Even small amounts of the offending food can trigger a range of symptoms. It can be severe and life-threatening," warns Dr Desai. The symptoms include hives, swelling, vomiting, runny nose or congestion, wheezing, and hypotension which may get more serious and they have immediate onset, the expert says.

​​Can a biopsy worsen cancerous growth? Expert explains​​

Eczema or atopic dermatitis can be worsened due to food allergies though they do not directly contribute to the disease. Usually, milk and eggs trigger eczema in people who are already in the high-risk group.

Asthma, a chronic respiratory disease is also triggered by food allergens. In kids who are already at risk of developing the disease, asthma can worsen due to food allergies.

Food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome (FPIES) is typically seen in infants and is triggered by milk. Sometimes cereals, grains, and even rice trigger this condition.

Oral allergy syndrome refers to an itchy mouth and is mostly caused by the consumption of raw fruits and vegetables.

Celiac disease, an autoimmune disease is triggered by gluten.

"More than 160 foods have been identified to cause food allergies in sensitive individuals. There are also several food ingredients that cause nonallergic hypersensitivity reactions in sensitive individuals that require specific labeling," the US FDA says.

The common food allergens are eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, sea fish, shell fish, wheat, soy and sesame. Other foods like peach, banana, avocado, kiwi fruit, celery, garlic, aniseed, chamomile and mustard seeds.

​​Do you suck in your stomach while posing for a photograph? Here is a warning you need to know​​

We often use the terms alternatively, but these are not the same thing. Dr. Desai explains food intolerance affects the digestive system only. "It is a non-immunological response to a particular food at a dose normally tolerated. Food intolerance is common in today’s modern world. It affects approximately up to 15–20% of the general population," says Dr Desai. The common symptoms of food intolerance include gastrointestinal symptoms such as increased flatulence, abdominal pain, bloating or diarrhea. Other symptoms such as migraine, asthma, eczema, and malaise may also occur.

Many people consider this disorder a mild reaction to certain foods and stop consuming those foods altogether without even taking help from the doctor. "In both allergy and intolerance, an elimination diet when involving major food groups must be carefully monitored as it can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Adequate support is required from a dietician who manages replacement by foods to prevent deficiencies and ensure quality of life for these patients. This is important especially when children or adolescents are affected as they need adequate nutrition during various stages of development," advises Dr Desai.