Food Allergies vs. Intolerances: Gaining Knowledge on the Distinction and Coping with Symptoms: Ishraq Ahmed Hashmi

                                   

 Outline

 Introduction  

 •         Introduction to what food allergies and intolerances are

 •         The significance of learning the distinction

Thesis Statement: Food allergies and food intolerances are two similar but different phenomena as they have different causes, manifestations in the body, and treatment approaches.

Food Allergies

·         Definition and its effects on the immune system

·         Some of the food-based allergens are milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soybeans, fish, and crustaceans.

·         Reactions to food allergens: mild to severe and anaphylactic

·         Food allergies-adult (staying away from allergens, labeling, bringing an autoinjector)

 Food Intolerances

·         Defining and reviewing the impact on the digestive system

·         Non-wheat food allergies tested for (lactose intolerance, gluten sensitivity, histamine intolerance)

·    Effects of food intolerances /indigestion discomfort, headaches, skin rashes and eruptions/

·         Food intolerances as primary care subject (diet modification, health treatment).

The Distinctions between Allergies and Intolerances

·         Some of the differences may include; There are variations in the differentiation of symptoms, severity, and what may trigger such conditions.

·         Necessity of getting an expert opinion

Symptom/Food Intolerance or Allergic Reaction And Living With These Conditions.

·         Difficulties experienced by people with food allergy and or intolerance

·         The following is a list of measures for handling and managing these disorders:

·         Education and awareness as one of the factors

 

Article:

On several occasions, people tend to use the terms food allergy and food intolerance interchangeably; however, they are entirely different conditions that have a different reason and manifestations. However, unlike gravy, food allergies are somewhat of a more severe menace.

A food allergy is an immune reaction that occurs when the body starts to recognize certain foods as enemies and tries to defend the body against them.

Food allergy on the other hand is the body’s immune response to a protein found in certain kinds of food. If a person with a food allergy accidentally ingests the food he is allergic to, then the body perceives it as an invader and the immune system deploys chemical soldiers or antibodies to fight them. This overreaction can manifest physical symptoms that are mild at worst, all the way up to extreme.

Key characteristics of food allergies:

·         Immune system involvement: The subject may have an autoimmune dysfunction, meaning the body’s immune system is overstimulated.

·        Severity: Consequently, the symptoms can present themselves as mild to anaphylaxis, which is fatal.

·         Consistency: Symptoms always appear when the specific allergen is taken.

·     Small amounts: Not even a small quantity of the allergen can be tolerated by the patient as they cause reactions in the body.

 

What is a Food Intolerance?

A food intolerance is a type of digestive system disorder defined as the difficulty of breaking down a given food or its constituent part in the system. However, it lacks immune system properties; rather, this is associated with the gastrointestinal disorder.

 

Key characteristics of Food Intolerances:

Digestive system involvement: The nutrients consumed in the food end up not being processed properly in the body.

·         Severity: Signs due to food allergy are generally milder than those seen in food intolerance.

·         Inconsistency: The reactions can be severe or mild and they may occur immediately, within some time, or even years after administration of the drug.

·         Amount: This is because the symptoms of the condition are most likely to be exacerbated by the increase in the consumption of the substance.

 

Common Food Allergens

Primary food allergy may occur in anybody but some foods have been found more frequently to cause allergy than others. The most common food allergens include:

·         Milk: To name several symptoms one might experience diarrhea, skin irritation, and breathing problems.

·         Eggs: In terms of symptoms, many patients experience changes in the skin, with manifestations associated with the digestive system, and with breathing.

·         Peanuts: This is a major contributing factor to anaphylaxis; its effects are classified between mild and fatal.

·         Tree nuts: These include almonds, walnuts, cashew nuts, and others. Other related signs are similar to peanut allergy.

·         Wheat: Normally results in stomach upsets, skin rash, and at worst, anaphylactic reactions.

·         Soybeans: Some of the signs may be bloating and stomach pains, hives, and in some cases even trouble breathing.

·         Fish: Causes allergic reactions and its symptoms are similar to food allergies that are triggered by foods.

·         Shellfish: These comprise of; Includes shrimp, crab, lobster, and others. Can trigger severe allergies in some people.

 

Signs and Symptoms of Food Allergies as well as Food Intolerance

There is often a cross-over between the signs of an allergy to food and food intolerance and this makes it difficult to tell the two apart. However, some general indicators can help:

Food Allergy Symptoms:

 •         Hives or eczema

 •         Face, lips, tongue, and/or throat may become swollen.

 •         Difficulty breathing

 •         Wheezing

 •         Pain in the stomach, vomiting, diarrhea

 •         Dizziness or lightheadedness

 •         Anaphylaxis-serious (life-threatening) reaction.

 

Food Intolerance Symptoms:

·         Unfortunately, gastric problems like bloating, flatulence, diarrhea, and constipation.

Headaches

·         The only other adverse skin effects that can take place include; Eruptions of the skin that are not considered allergenic.

Fatigue

·         Seeking Professional Help

In this case, it does help to speak to a healthcare provider for proper testing and treatment of a food allergy or intolerance. These healthcare specialists can do allergy or intolerance tests and advise you on how to handle or live with a condition.

Managing Food Allergies: Yes, parents can self-motivate by following the guidelines provided in the publication aptly titled, A Guide for Parents.

 Parents face a lot of difficulties due to food allergy in children the latter of which seemed to have become widespread. Thus, though there are no food allergy cures, parents can find ways how to prevent necessary food intake from becoming a burden for their child.

Understanding Food Allergies

There are, however, some differences that should be discussed between food allergies and intolerances. Whereas, food allergies are an immune system response; however, intolerances refer to the organism’s digestive system. The manifestation of food allergies may be mild or severe; it can start manifesting as rashes, swelling of the face or throat, breathing difficulties, and extreme Severity- anaphylactic reactions.

Building a Support Network

·         Educate yourself: Read up about your child’s allergy; the symptoms he/she is likely to exhibit; the things that can trigger such; what first aid should be applied.

·         Involve Healthcare Providers: Allergists, pediatricians, and other specialists must be cooperated.

·         Communicate With the School: Create a specific management emergency plan of action about allergies with the rest of the members of staff in school, teachers, school nurses, and manufacturers of foods served in school.

·         Connect With Other Parents: Self-help regularly can indeed be of tremendous help; especially when dealing with people's experiences.

Food hygiene refers to the process of getting rid of hazardous issues from food and preparation surroundings for proper preparation.

·         Read Labels Carefully: Always pay attention to labels and ingredients containing any of the forbidden proteins.

·         Avoid Cross-Contamination: Limit contact with other foods to avoid cross-contamination with allergens.

·         Clean Surfaces and Utensils: Ensure there are no residual allergens within areas where foods are prepared so that they can be eliminated by a clean sweep.

·         Pack Safe Snacks: Make picnic snacks and pack them in a way that would not upset the babe’s allergies.

 Emergency Preparedness

·         Carry An Epinephrine Auto-Injector: Epinephrine auto-injector which is commonly referred to as EpiPen should be readily available at all times.

·         Teach Your Child About Allergies: It is hoped that some aspects of age-appropriate education can help your child protect herself/himself and ask for the help they need.

·         Develop An Emergency Action Plan: Summarize actions to be taken in the event of an anaphylactic shock.

 Navigating Social Situations

·         Communicate Openly: The parent should educate friends, relatives and baby’s caregivers on the allergy that the child has.

·         Pack Safe Food: At functions such as parties and events, carry your own food and beverages that are free from the causative agents.

·         Build Confidence: Support your child to be as independent as possible and able to speak out in matters concerning him or her.

 Nutritional Considerations

·         Consult A Registered Dietitian: The child should also be provided with appendages of nutritional provision while at the same time avoiding any allergens.

·         Explore Alternative Foods: Experience novel tempting dishes that are free from common allergens.

·         Monitor Growth and Development: It’s therefore advisable to go for routine medical check-ups so that you can be checked for any nutritional shortage.

Never forget that, it is all about consistent determination and the people’s support while dealing with food allergies. If you incorporate the identified tactics, it becomes possible to build a safe and fun environment for the child.