elintarvikeallergian

Elintarvikeallergia, commonly known as a food allergy, is a hypersensitivity of the immune system to a specific food. When an individual with a food allergy consumes a particular food, their immune system mistakenly identifies a protein in that food as harmful. This triggers a defense response, releasing chemicals like histamine, which cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

The symptoms of food allergies can vary widely and range from mild to severe. Common reactions include hives, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In some cases, a food allergy can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause difficulty breathing, a drop in blood pressure, and loss of consciousness.

Diagnosis of food allergies typically involves a thorough medical history, skin prick tests, and sometimes blood tests. Elimination diets, where suspected allergenic foods are removed from the diet and then reintroduced under medical supervision, may also be used. There is currently no cure for food allergies, and the primary management strategy is strict avoidance of the trigger food.

The most common food allergens worldwide include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. It is important to distinguish food allergies from food intolerances, which do not involve an immune system response and often cause digestive discomfort rather than systemic allergic reactions. Awareness and proper management are crucial for individuals living with food allergies to prevent severe health consequences.