Physical reactions to certain foods are common, but most are caused by a food intolerance rather than a food allergy. A food intolerance can cause some of the same signs and symptoms as a food allergy, so people often confuse the two.
A true food allergy affects the immune system. Even small amounts of the offending food can trigger a range of symptoms, which can be severe or life-threatening. In contrast, a food intolerance often affects only the digestive system and causes less serious symptoms.
Food Allergy:
A food allergy is an immune system response triggered by certain proteins in a specific food. When a person with a food allergy consumes the allergenic food, their immune system reacts by producing antibodies, most commonly Immunoglobulin E (IgE). This immune response can lead to various symptoms that can range from mild to severe, and in some cases, it can even be life-threatening. The symptoms of a food allergy can include hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can cause a drop in blood pressure, rapid pulse, and may require immediate medical attention.
Food allergies can be fatal, unlike a food intolerance or sensitivity. In extreme cases, ingesting or even touching a small amount of the allergen can cause a severe reaction.
Symptoms of food allergy include:
1- Skin reactions, like hives, swelling, and itching
2- Anaphylaxis, including difficulty breathing, wheezing, dizziness, and death
3- Digestive symptoms
Food Sensitivity:
Food sensitivity, often referred to as food intolerance, is a non-immune response to certain foods. Unlike allergies, food sensitivities do not involve the immune system and do not trigger an IgE response. Instead, they are often caused by the body's inability to properly digest or process certain components of the food, such as lactose or gluten. The symptoms of food sensitivities can be more subtle and may include bloating, gas, stomach discomfort, headaches, and fatigue. These symptoms usually occur several hours or even days after consuming the problematic food.
You may be sensitive or intolerant to a food for a few reasons. These include:
1- Not having the right enzymes you need to digest a certain food
2- Reactions to food additives or preservatives like sulfites, MSG, or artificial colors
3- Pharmacological factors, like sensitivity to caffeine or other chemicals
4- Sensitivity to the sugars naturally found in certain foods like onions, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts
Key Differences:
1. Immune Response:
Food allergies involve the immune system and trigger an IgE-mediated response, while food sensitivities do not involve the immune system.
2. Severity of Symptoms:
Food allergies can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening symptoms, including anaphylaxis. Food sensitivities generally cause milder symptoms that are more focused on digestive discomfort.
3. Onset of Symptoms:
Food allergy symptoms typically appear within minutes to a couple of hours after consuming the allergenic food. Food sensitivity symptoms can take longer to appear, often showing up hours or even days after eating the problematic food.
4. Diagnostic Methods:
Food allergies are often diagnosed through skin prick tests, blood tests measuring IgE levels, and sometimes oral food challenges. Food sensitivities are usually diagnosed through exclusion diets, elimination-challenge diets, and observing symptom patterns.
5. Treatment:
The primary treatment for food allergies is strict avoidance of the allergenic food. In the case of accidental exposure, individuals with severe allergies may need to carry an epinephrine auto-injector. Food sensitivities may require avoidance of the problematic component, but some people may still tolerate small amounts without severe symptoms.
What to do in an emergency
Eight foods account for 90 percent of allergic food reactions. These are:
1- Milk
2- Eggs
3- Fish
4- Shellfish
5- Peanuts
6- Tree nuts
7- Wheat
8- Soybeans
People who have food allergies must avoid these foods. Also, the parents and caretakers of a child with food allergies must be trained to treat accidental ingestions, says Farzan.
“Food sensitivities are not life-threatening. There are also food intolerances, which are also not immune mediated, and are due to the inability to process or digest a food.” – Sherry Farzan, MD, allergist and immunologist with North Shore-LIJ Health System in Great Neck, N.Y.
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