Food allergies occur when the immune system, which usually fights infections, attacks the body itself because it considers food as a foreign object threatening it. When this happens, the body releases histamine as a form of protection. Food allergies are usually caused by eggs, milk, nuts, peanuts, soy, fish, shellfish, and wheat.
Food intolerance occurs when the body cannot digest food well, and it's not a response from the immune system. Food intolerance is usually triggered by dairy products, chocolate, eggs, MSG, and food additives. One of the most common is lactose intolerance, which occurs because the body doesn't produce enough lactase enzyme (responsible for breaking down lactose).
Food Allergy Symptoms
Food allergies can suddenly occur in adulthood. So, you may suddenly experience an allergic reaction after eating shrimp, even though you've never had it before. Food allergy symptoms usually appear quickly, around 30 minutes to 2 hours. Although initially mild, people with food allergies are at risk of experiencing further life-threatening reactions.
Food allergy symptoms include:
- Rash
- Itching
- Vomiting
- Stomach ache
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Potentially life-threatening if not promptly addressed
Food Intolerance Symptoms
Food intolerance symptoms can also occur some time after consuming certain foods, but are more likely to occur within 12 to 24 hours. Food intolerance symptoms include:
- Gas
- Bloating
- Cramps
- Stomach ache
- Diarrhea
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Anxiety
- Rapid heartbeat
- Rapid breathing
- Headache or migraine
- Burning sensation on the skin
- Feeling of tightness in the face and chest
Allergies to certain foods can occur even when consuming only a small amount of the triggering food. In severe cases, it can potentially lead to anaphylaxis (a life-threatening emergency). On the other hand, unlike food allergies, food intolerance reactions usually only occur after someone consumes a certain amount of food.
Life-Threatening Food Allergy Reactions
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction where a person needs immediate assistance. Its severity can be influenced by the amount of food consumed, how it's processed, exercise, heat, and alcohol. Within a few minutes of exposure to the allergen (the substance causing the allergy), the person may experience severe symptoms, including:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swollen tongue
- Swollen throat with a feeling of suffocation
- Continuous vomiting
- Difficulty speaking or hoarseness
- Dizziness or repeated fainting
- Pale and limp (in young children)
How to Find Out the Cause
If the allergic reaction occurs shortly after consuming certain foods, it will be easier to find out the cause. However, it will be difficult to find out if the reaction occurs later. If this happens, try consulting a doctor. They will guide you to find out what triggers the reaction, such as:
- Food diary: keeping a food diary and recording the symptoms that occur after consumption
- Elimination diet: avoiding certain foods for 2 weeks and then reintroducing them one by one
- Allergy test: allergy testing by pricking food extracts onto the skin, or IgG blood tests.
So, food allergies and food intolerance are different. Food allergies are a response from the immune system (the body mistakenly recognizes food substances), while food intolerance is not (the body cannot digest well). Food allergy symptoms usually appear faster than food intolerance, and are more potentially life-threatening at severe levels.
Finding out the source of the trigger is the only way to prevent symptoms from occurring. Detecting it independently is possible, but it's better to consult a doctor. Once you know the cause, reduce consumption of that food and always be prepared by having medication on hand. Let's read other Fitie articles!