Not all food problems
are allergies. Many people mistakenly call all food-related problems food allergies. In a recent study, 25 percent of adults said they think they have a food allergy. But the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases says only about 1 percent of adults and 3 percent of children have clinically proven allergic reactions to foods. Symptoms of food allergies may include: itching and swelling in the mouth, sneezing, a runny nose, hives, eczema, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea or an asthma attack. Severe or anaphylactic reactions can include a drop in blood pressure (often signaled by feelings of faintness) and unconsciousness. Food intolerance is also an adverse reaction to food, but, unlike food allergy, it doesn’t involve the immune system. The reactions, however, may be similar. Common causes are lack of a digestive enzyme, and food additives such as monosodium glutamate. If you have a food intolerance, you can eat a small amount of the food with no reaction. With an allergy, the tiniest amount will cause a reaction. If you suspect you have a food allergy, keep a journal of what you eat and your reactions. Your doctor can treat you. For more information, call the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology (800-822-ASMA), or the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (800-7-ASTHMAl. |