Millions of people around the world suffer from food allergies. New research and studies indicate that the prevalence of these disorders is rising at an alarming rate. Food allergies cause physical reactions when eating certain foods or inhaling airborne particles containing food proteins. Food allergies are severe, potentially life-threatening conditions that require close medical attention. If you experience any food allergy symptoms, you need to see a specialist in food allergies in Gilbert for immediate treatment. Below are some common signs of food allergies.
- Abdominal Pain
One of the most common symptoms of food allergies is abdominal pain. It can be sharp and sudden or persist. It may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. The abdominal pain results from stomach cramps and intestinal inflammation.
- Hives
Hives are raised, red, and itchy welts that can affect any part of your body. They typically appear as patches on the skin that come and go over time. Hives may also occur in places like beneath the eyes or around the mouth. The hives develop because of food allergies.
- Swelling of the Eyes and Throat
Another common symptom of food allergies is swelling in the eyes and throat. When exposed to foods that trigger an allergic reaction, these areas become red and itchy. Severely swollen airways can lead to difficulty breathing, causing a potentially life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis.
- Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction with symptoms that can occur rapidly. This severe, whole-body allergic response causes the airways to swell rapidly, making breathing difficult. There are several other symptoms of anaphylaxis that include swallowing problems, nausea and vomiting, itching of the throat and face, a rapid pulse, and dizziness. If you experience these symptoms, you need to seek emergency medical care immediately.
- Swollen Tongue
A swollen tongue is another common sign of a food allergy that occurs when the tissues of the tongue become inflamed and enlarged. The tongue may also be sore to the touch. An allergic reaction to certain foods causes swelling. When you have a food allergy, it causes a release of histamine in the body. Histamine causes a rapid dilation of blood vessels, leading to fluid accumulation and edema in certain areas, such as the tongue.
- Weak Pulses and Low Blood Pressure
One of the more severe symptoms of food allergies is a weak pulse and low blood pressure. These symptoms occur when the body goes into anaphylactic shock, causing a dramatic decrease in blood pressure. Anaphylactic shock is the most severe form of anaphylaxis. It can lead to loss of consciousness or death if it is not treated quickly.
In summary, food allergies are life-threatening medical conditions that cause physical reactions when eating certain foods or inhaling airborne particles containing food proteins. You need medical attention to deal with food allergies. You can identify a food allergy from symptoms such as abdominal pain, hives, and swelling of the eyes and throat. You should treat symptoms such as anaphylaxis, a weak pulse, and low blood pressure as medical emergencies.
