Food allergies

An allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a substance that's harmless to most people. But in someone with an allergy, the body's immune system treats the substance (called an allergen) as an invader and reacts inappropriately, resulting in symptoms that can be anywhere from annoying to possibly harmful to the person. The tendency to develop allergies is often hereditary, which means it can be passed down through your genes. Have a look.

10. Fruit And Vegetable Allergy

Fruit and vegetable allergy is a reaction which occurs soon after exposure to fruit and vegetables. These reactions usually occur within minutes of the exposure, but occasionally can take up to 1-2 hours. The reactions occur against proteins that occur in a number of different fruits or vegetables. A number of people who react in this way to fruit or vegetables will also react to pollen from some trees and weeds. How ripe a fruit or vegetable is can also make a difference.

9. Vegetable Oil Allergy

Oil allergy is rarely seen, so there aren’t many symptoms that have been discovered. At first, it may seem like a food allergy, but after many of the same reactions to different types of foods, it will not seem like a food allergy. Instant reactions to foods at the sight of them may determine the type of oil that a person is allergic to. Some speciality oils, such as sesame and walnut, aren't refined, so they are best avoided by people who are sensitive to the nuts or seeds they are made from.

8. Meat Allergy

Meat Allergies in general, are fairly uncommon. However reactions can range from anaphylactic to digestive issues. People with an allergy to meat may react to just one type, such as pork, beef, lamb or chicken, or they may react to a range of types. Cooking destroys some of the allergens in meat, but some people will still react to cooked meat.

7. Fish Allergy

Fish allergy is one of the most common food allergies in middle-aged adults. People who are allergic to one type of fish, such as cod, often react to other types of fish such as hake, haddock, mackerel and whiting as well. This is because the allergens in these fish are quite similar. Cooking doesn't destroy fish allergens. In fact, some people with fish allergy can be allergic to cooked but not raw fish.

6. Rice Allergy

Rice is a food staple for literally billions of people world wide, but in some cases allergies to this prevalent grain can develop. Symptoms can be mildly discomforting to absolutely life-threatening and being able to spot the signs of a rice allergy could potentially save a life. As with any medical condition, consult a physician immediately if you suspect an allergy to rice. Symptoms includes shortness of breath that can be mild or progress to a life threatening inability to breathe, almost like an allergy induced asthma.

5. Spice Allergy

A spice allergy is an adverse reaction by the body's immune system to spices or food containing spices. This type of allergy is rare and serious reactions are very rare. Reactions to mustard have been reported to cause anaphylaxis, particularly in mainland Europe, where mustard is used more. The allergens in spices are similar to those in pollens and vegetables, and people who are allergic to mugwort and birch are more likely to be sensitive to spices for this reason.

4. Wheat Allergy

People with a wheat allergy have an abnormal immune system response to at least one of the proteins that exist in wheat. It is one of the most common childhood food allergies, but may affect adults as well. The person with a wheat allergy has developed a specific antibody to a wheat protein, and sometimes more than one. Wheat allergy may result in a wide range of symptoms, including hives, difficulty breathing and nausea. Wheat allergy can also cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis.

3. Peanut Allergy

Peanut allergy is common, especially in children. Peanut allergy symptoms can range from a minor irritation to anaphylaxis. For some people with peanut allergy, even tiny amounts of peanuts can cause a serious reaction. Peanut allergy can be characterized by more severe symptoms, such as gastrointestinal, skin and respiratory symptoms, than other food allergies and by a high rate of symptoms on minimal contact.

2. Egg Allergy

An egg allergy usually occurs a few minutes to a few hours after eating eggs or foods containing eggs. Signs and symptoms range from mild to severe and can include skin rashes, hives, vomiting or inflamed nasal passages. Occasionally someone might react to egg because they have an allergy to chicken, quail or turkey meat, or to bird feathers. This is called bird-egg syndrome. Egg protein is also found in small amounts in flu vaccines, so people with an egg allergy should check with their doctor before receiving a flu vaccination.

1. Milk Allergy

Milk allergy is caused when the immune system (IS) reacts against one or more of the proteins found in milk. A milk allergy usually occurs a few minutes to a few hours after you consume milk. Signs and symptoms of milk allergy range from mild to severe and can include wheezing, vomiting, hives and digestive problems. Milk allergy is also often confused with lactose intolerance. While lactose intolerance too results from milk consumption, Milk allergy can also be caused by milk proteins. Clinicians have not been able to determine the exact prevalence of allergy to milk. Studies throughout the world suggest that between 1% and 7% of children will develop allergy to milk. Allergy to milk in adults is much less frequent