Your immune system\u2019s primary goal is to keep your body healthy. In the case of food allergies, your immune system mistakes harmless food proteins as a threat and attacks. Large amounts of immunoglobulin E (IgE), an antibody, are produced. IgE causes the release of histamine and other chemicals, which can trigger the symptoms of an allergic reaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Are the Causes of Food\nAllergies? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While any food has the potential to cause an allergic reaction, there are eight foods that account for almost 90 percent of all food allergies: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Peanuts. <\/li>
Tree nuts. <\/li>
Milk. <\/li>
Eggs. <\/li>
Soy. <\/li>
Wheat. <\/li>
Fish. <\/li>
Shellfish. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What Are the Symptoms of Food\nAllergies? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The symptoms of food allergies can range from mild to life threatening. Mild symptoms include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hives. <\/li>
Itchy mouth. <\/li>
Nausea or vomiting. <\/li>
Stomach pain. <\/li>
Sneezing. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Severe symptoms include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Swelling of the lips, tongue and\/or throat.<\/li>
Shortness of breath.<\/li>
Turning blue. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Any one of these severe symptoms or a combination of mild symptoms can be the sign of a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. In the event of this reaction, epinephrine should be administered and the patient should be taken to the hospital immediately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mild reactions can be treated with antihistamines, such as Benadryl or Zyrtec. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While there are drugs available to treat the symptoms of an allergic reaction, the only way to prevent one is through strict avoidance of the problematic foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n