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SupportIntolerance and Allergy: Symptoms and Diagnosis
We all have an immune system which helps our body fight foreign stuff that may be harmful. But sometimes it reacts to harmless things like food and that's how food allergies happen.
Here’s how it works inside: Our white blood cells identify germs, produce antibodies which recognise the germs and then fight it off. Another name for antibodies is immunoglobulins. Which means when our immune system sends Immunoglobulin E (IgE) or Immunoglobulin G (IgG) to fight off foods, symptoms ranging from discomfort to anaphylaxis can occur.
You react to certain foods, and you think you have an allergy? It’s possible that you have a food intolerance and not an allergy. Allergy and Intolerance are often interchangeably used in common parlance. With some common symptoms it is easy to confuse the two.
Here’s how to identify what could cause you discomfort:
What is the difference between Allergy and Intolerance?
There’s a possible genetic linkage to food allergies and while they develop in the first year of life, they can also present at a later stage. Food intolerance and sensitivities can also develop and worsen with age. A classic example is lactose intolerance. The older you grow; the lesser enzyme is produced by your body to digest milk and milk products. Maintaining a food diary to observe what causes reactions can help in this case. Elimination diet and allergy tests also help diagnose sensitivities and allergies.
It is important to find the allergens troubling you through professional diagnosis. That way you are prepared to handle it better. Especially when the cause is unknown. Mostly used in respect to foods like gluten and lactose, find out when you should do an Allergy test v/s Intolerance test.
Food Allergy: Ig E
Why and When should one get tested: One should get tested when on exposure to an allergen, the symptoms present immediately or within a few minutes.
In the Ig E mediated reaction the immune system overreacts to a specific condition or substance. For instance, if you are allergic to pollen, which is actually harmless, then it may tend your body to overreact.
What is being tested: In this test Immunoglobulin E specific to the allergen is being tested. Ig E is an antibody which is the first response to an allergic reaction and has a short half life and is present in the serum/plasma for 1-2 days.
Symptoms:
- Tingling or itching in the mouth
- Itchy red rashes
- Swelling of the face, mouth, throat or other areas of the body
- Difficulty in swelling
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Feeling dizzy
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain
- Sneezing or itchy eyes
Most common food allergies:
- Eggs
- Peanutes
- Milk
- Wheat
- Fish and shellfish
How to understand reports: the cut off value is 0.35, any level above this is abnormal, and the exposure should be avoided.
What to do after allergy results are out: Consult your physician. Avoid exposure.
Food Intolerance: Ig G
Why should one get tested: Food intolerance usually causes unpleasant symptoms and can lead to chronic conditions. However, unlike food allergy, food intolerance symptoms are generally less serious and often limited to digestive problems.
Causes of food intolerance:
- Absence of an enzyme needed to fully digest a food- Example Lactose intolerance.
- Irritable bowel syndrome- This chronic condition can cause cramping, constipation and diarrhoea.
- Sensitivity to food additives- For example, sulphites used to preserve dried fruit, canned goods and wine can trigger asthma attacks in sensitive people.
- Celiac disease- has some features of a true food allergy because it involves the immune system. However, symptoms are mostly gastrointestinal, and people with celiac disease are not at risk of anaphylaxis. This chronic digestive condition is triggered by eating gluten, a protein found in wheat and other grains.
Symptoms:
- Rhinitis
- Sinusitis
- Asthma
- Vomiting
- Abdominal fullness
- Bloating
- Wind
- Water retention
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Colic
- Urticaria
- Atopic dermatitis
- Eczema
- Itching
- Rrashes
- Joint pains
- Arthritis
- Body ache
- Weakness
- Headache
- Mood change
- Behaviour problem
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
What is being tested: Immunoglobulin G mediates the food intolerance. Can appear up to 72 hours after eating food. Symptoms can last up to weeks
How to understand reports: Results more than 1.0 are indicative of an intolerance to the specific food item.
What to do after allergy results are out: Consult your physician. Avoid exposure.
What is not getting tested: This assay does not test any intolerance arising due to enzyme deficiency or chemical sensitivity.
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