ravitsemusallergiat

Ravitsemusallergiat, commonly known as food allergies, are adverse immune system responses triggered by specific food proteins. When a person with a food allergy consumes a triggering food, their immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless protein as a threat and releases chemicals, such as histamine, leading to a range of symptoms. These reactions can vary in severity, from mild discomfort to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

The most common food allergens include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish. Symptoms can manifest in various ways, affecting the skin (hives, eczema), respiratory system (wheezing, nasal congestion), gastrointestinal tract (vomiting, diarrhea), or cardiovascular system (drop in blood pressure). Onset of symptoms can be immediate or delayed, appearing hours after ingestion.

Diagnosis typically involves a medical history, physical examination, skin prick tests, and blood tests. In some cases, an oral food challenge, supervised by a healthcare professional, may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis. Management of food allergies primarily involves strict avoidance of the offending food. Emergency medication, such as epinephrine auto-injectors, is often prescribed for individuals at risk of anaphylaxis. While some food allergies, particularly in children, may be outgrown, others are lifelong. Research into treatments and potential cures is ongoing.