Introduction to Food Allergy
Food allergies are common type of illness and shall affect every individual at least once in their life time. It is sometimes mistaken as food intolerance. Certain types of food will be allergic to certain individuals they may feel an unpleasant taste or reaction. It is found that one out of three individuals will have such reactions and conclude as food allergy. But the clinical statistics on the number of individuals with food allergy says that only three percent of children and one percent of adults in a population will have food allergy.
Food intolerance is different from food allergy even though some of the symptoms resemble each. Food allergy is caused by any of the component in a food item that can elicit an immune response in body. Food intolerance is simply a perception by an individual and is not able to evoke immune response. Food allergy is a result of hypersensitivity. The type of food that cause allergy varies with individual. It is important to identify the allergen or group of allergens in the food so that the individual can avoid other food items with same components. Food allergy can sometimes be fatal.
Basics of Food Allergy
Immunoglobulins (Ig) are proteins that help in defense mechanism of a body. There are different types of immunoglobulins in the body based on their shape and function. Allergic reaction is mainly due to induction of two pathways in immune system.One includes the production of Ig E in the blood circulatory system. The second method is to produce mast cells. These are specialized cells found in all body parts, mainly found in regions of allergic reaction. These sites include inner linings of nose and throat, skin and lungs.
There will be a familial background for food allergy in certain individuals. In some cases, families of both parents will be prone to certain types of allergy. But an allergic reaction by a body to food will start only after the individual get exposed to it. Initially, the body without any immune response will digest the food. This will initiate Ig E production and these will be expressed outside mast cell surface. When the body gets exposed to the same food material again, these antibodies will react and shows allergic symptoms.
If a person finds any food material to be allergic, the best way is to avoid such items and to seek medical help to prevent further complications. |
