Food allergies

According to a recent American study food allergies are becoming more common, especially among children. About 8 % of those under 18 have developed an allergy – a total of 6 million children in the USA.

Food allergies occur when our body’s immune system attacks harmless food proteins that it thinks are dangerous. The body develops chemicals called histamines. These chemicals can affect skin, blood cells, lungs the stomach and even the heart.

The foods that are mostly responsible for such allergies are cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, fish, nuts and wheat.

But why are food allergies increasing? Experts give many reasons. One reason is that everything is too clean. Our body does not have the training to fight off attackers. In a world of pasteurized milk or antibacterial soap we no longer have the power to fight off  germs and harmful bacteria . Chemicals in our foods have also changed them.  Genetic engineering has changed most of the food we eat today. Some people are also allergic to additives in foods and food coloring.

Even though food allergies can affect everyone, you may be especially at risk  if your parents also have food allergies.  Although a food allergy can begin at any age most allergies start in childhood. Some allergies go away when you grow up, like milk or egg allergies. Others, like fish or nut allergies are probably with you your whole life.

Many symptoms are related to a food allergy. In some cases you feel itching in your mouth or your lips may swell. When histamines reach the breathing system they may cause asthma.  Allergens that get into the stomach may cause vomiting or diarrhoea. Sometimes allergies even lead to unconsciousness and may threaten your life.

At least one third of the children affected are allergic to more than one kind of food. They have problems staying healthy and getting the right diet.

Parents whose children have allergies should always have antihistamine and epinephrine with them. These drugs act quickly and let children breathe better.  They work against allergic reactions.