Food Allergy versus Food Intolerance
It’s pretty common to have a reaction to a certain food, but in most cases it’s an intolerance rather than a true allergy. Why does it matter? Although they may have similar symptoms, a food allergy can be more serious.
Food allergies and food intolerances can have similar symptoms, but are very different conditions. Intolerances such as lactose intolerance and Celiac disease, can cause someone to feel ill. Food allergies not only can make someone feel ill, but also can cause a life-threatening reaction.
Food intolerance means either:
- the body cannot properly digest the food that is eaten(because of enzymes lack or their improper function)
- a particular food might irritate the digestive system
Symptoms of food intolerance can include nausea, gas, cramps, abdominal pain, diarrhea, irritability, nervousness, or headaches.
A food allergy occurs when the body's immune system, which normally fights infections, sees the food as an invader. This leads to a response from the immune system - an allergic reaction - in which chemicals like histamine are released in the body. The reaction can cause symptoms like breathing problems, throat tightness, hoarseness, coughing, vomiting, abdominal pain, hives, swelling, or a drop in blood pressure.
Even if previous reactions have been mild, someone with a food allergy is always at risk of the next reaction being life threatening. Eating a microscopic amount of the food, or sometimes even touching or inhaling it, can lead to a serious allergic reaction. For this reason, those with food allergies must avoid the problem food entirely and always carry emergency injectable epinephrine.
In contrast, many people with food intolerances can ingest a small amount of the bothersome food without a problem.
These clues can help you figure out if it is an allergy or intolerance.
Food Allergy:
- Usually comes on suddenly
- Small amount of food can trigger
- Happens every time you eat the food
- Can be life-threatening
Food Intolerance:
- Usually comes on gradually
- May only happen when you eat a lot of the food
- May only happen if you eat the food often
- Is not life-threatening
Shared Symptoms
A food allergy and an intolerance both can cause:
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
When a food irritates your stomach or your body can't properly digest it, that’s an intolerance. You may have these symptoms:
- Gas, cramps, or bloating
- Heartburn
- Headaches
- Irritability or nervousness
A food allergy happens when your immune system mistakes something in food as harmful and attacks it. It can affect your whole body, not just your stomach. Symptoms may include:
- Rash, hives, or itchy skin
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Sudden drop in blood pressure, trouble swallowing or breathing - this is life-threatening. Call 911 immediately.
No comments:
Post a Comment