Some reactions to food are not an allergic reaction. For example, food intolerance differs from a food allergy because it does not involve the immune
system. Instead, it involves a reaction in the digesive tract that results in digestive upset For example, some people lack an enzyme necessary for
digesting the sugar in milk (lactose). Other reactions to a food may result from contamination or deterioration of the food. When someone has
intolerance to a food rather than an allergy the reactions are different
‘The food can be eaten quite regularly often over a period of time without any reactions occurring. The next time they eat ta reaction develops. The body is
tolerating the food, but only up to a certain level, then reaction kicks in. Think of a bottle standing under a dripping tap, the bottle gradually ils with water
and then overflows.
Reaction cause by food additives
In some people, food adives can cause a reaction that resembles, buts not an allergic reaction. For example, monosodium alutamate (MSG), some.
presenvatives, and food dyes can cause Symptoms such as asthma and hives. Similarly, eating certain foods, Such as cheese, wine, and chocolate,
triggers migraine headaches in some people.
Symptom of a food allergy in infants.
‘These are some symptoms In infants, the first symptom of a food allergy may be a rash such as eczema (atopic dermaiitis) or a rash that resembles
hives. The rash may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and diartosa. By about age 1 year, the rash tends to develop less often, but children may
‘wheeze, feel short of breath, or get a runny nose when they eat the f00d that riggers their allergy. By about age 10, food allergies — most commonly to
milk and less commonly to eggs and peanuts —tend to subside. Allergies to airbome substances, such as allergic asthma and hay fever, may develop
3s food allergies subside.
Food allergies in adults
In adults some symptoms of food allergies cause iching in the mouth, hives, eczema and occasionally, a runny nose and asthma. For some adults with
afood allergy eating a tiny amount of the food may rigger a severe reaction. A rash may cover the entire body, the throat may swell, and the airways may
narrow making breathing difficult Occasionally, this reaction is severe and becomes life threatening.