The Difference Between Food Intolerances and Food Allergies

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Numerous people misdiagnose food allergies as food intolerances. It’s a tricky subject, since there are certain similarities - but one should always be extremely careful in administering medicines to a person with an allergic reaction. The incorrect anti-histamine (medicine) for the wrong condition can worsen the allergic reaction, which can result in anaphylaxis and even death. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction where all the symptoms swiftly attack the entire body all at the same time.

Food Allergy Symptoms

A Food allergy is an allergic reaction that is brought on by certain kinds of food. The most prevalent food allergens are wheat, cow's milk, eggs, peanuts and other nut varieties, soybeans, fish & shellfish, meat types and certain types of medications /drugs. An allergic reaction can vary greatly depending on the type of allergen, but all allergies have the a few indicative symptoms:

1. Rashes appear on the skin - In extreme cases, the rashes and swelling can spread to the whole body.
2. Swelling of the certain areas in-and-around the mouth.
3. Swelling of the ears.
4. An itch and/or redness of the eyes.
5. A runny nose.
6. Diarrhoea and/or vomiting.
7. Difficulty breathing.

Food intolerance has a lot of the same symptoms, except the watery/red eyes and runny nose. Food intolerance usually results in swelling of certain areas of the body and diarrhoea or vomiting.

Regardless of the similarities in symptoms, food allergies are harsher than food intolerances. An individual with food intolerances can eat tiny portions of the food they are intolerant of. But for a person with a certain food allergy - that small portion of food can instantly trigger a severe allergic reaction. And if not treated immediately, the patients can go into anaphylaxis.

Somebody with a food allergy can have an anaphylactic attack (or go into anaphylactic shock) and will start experiencing swelling of the throat - This can block the individual’s airway and could therefore result in death. Another genuine danger is a sharp decrease in the patient’s blood pressure. In which case, the person will experience confusion and dizziness.

Treatment of Food Allergies

Any food allergy should be treated as soon as the symptoms transpire. For rashes, there are skin ointments available to counter-act the itch and swelling. Antihistamines should relieve runny nose, red/watery eyes and swelling. These medicines (antihistamines) can be bought from your local pharmacy and does not require a prescription.

For individuals who experience serious allergic reactions, a dose of epinephrine (adrenaline), can immediately reverse the symptoms of the allergy. At present, a shot of epinephrine is the most effective treatment for food-and other types of allergies.


About The Author:

This article was written by ScribeZA for a top online quick & easy recipes provider who is also a large South African canned food manufacturer.