Food allergy is described as the response of the immune system to a food that the body mistakenly believes is harmful. The immune system creates particular antibodies to the particular food, once it decides that the food is harmful. In order to protect the body, the next time when the individual eats that food, massive amounts of chemicals including histamine are released by the immune system. A cascade of allergy symptoms, triggered by these chemicals, can affect the respiratory system cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, or skin. About 12 million Americans suffer from true food allergies.

Food Allergy Symptoms:

They are:

1. A tingling sensation in the mouth
2. Swelling of the tongue and the throat
3. Difficulty breathing
4. Hives
5. Vomiting
6. Abdominal cramps
7. Diarrhea
8. Drop in blood pressure
9. Loss of consciousness to death

It usually takes minutes to two hours for the symptoms to appear after the individual has eaten the food to which she or he is allergic.

Common Food Triggers:

Although a person could be allergic to any food like meats, fruits, and vegetables, the following eight foods have been observed for accounting for 90% of all food-allergic reactions.

1. Peanut
2. Milk
3. Wheat
4. Egg
5. Tree nut such as cashew, walnut, etc
6. Soy
7. Fish
8. Shellfish

Food Allergy Treatment:

At the present time, there are no medications that can cure food allergies. The only way to prevent a reaction is strict avoidance of the allergens. Although shellfish, peanuts, fish, and nuts are often considered lifelong allergies, most people outgrow their food allergies.

Adrenaline also known as epinephrine is the medication of choice for controlling a severe reaction. It is a prescription based self-injectable device.