Food Allergies

by Justin Skripak, M.D., F.A.A.P., F.A.C.A.A.I.

There are various types of food allergies which may benefit from evaluation by an allergist. People with food allergies have an allergic reaction when they come into contact with certain foods. This is because their body recognizes a harmless (food) substance as something harmful, and attacks it.

Types of food allergies

• Anaphylactic. This is when multiple systems in the body all react at the same time. This can be life-threatening, Typical symptoms include hives or other red itchy rash, itchy mouth, stuffy itchy nose, sneezing, itchy watery eyes, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, swelling, hoarseness, throat tightness, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, light headedness, passing out. This requires emergency medical treatment.
• Pollen-related allergy. Many people who are allergic to pollens develop reactions to foods. The reactions typically occur to raw fruits, vegetables and nuts. This is called “oral allergy syndrome”. This normally resolves without treatment.
• Eosinophilic (“ee-uh-sin-uh-fil-ic”) esophagitis (EoE). Typical symptoms for this problem include difficulty swallowing, food sticking in throat and heartburn, stomach pain, vomiting. Food allergies are often, but not always the cause. This problem must be diagnosed by an endoscopy, performed by a gastroenterologist.
• Eczema. This is a chronic, itchy, red rash. Not all cases are allergic, but some are. Particularly in infants, foods may be an important trigger.
• Late-reacting meat allergy. Some people may develop allergies to various meats after being bitten by a specific type of tick. This allergy can be hard to identify because the symptoms often do not develop until several hours after eating the meat.
• Food protein induced enterocolitis. Typical symptoms are repeated vomiting and sometimes diarrhea. The vomiting can be very frequent, potentially leading to severe dehydration and low blood pressure. This typically occurs in infants and young children. The most common triggers are milk and soy, and grains such as oat and rice.
• Infant gastrointestinal problems. Sometimes foods can cause frequent spitting up or vomiting, abdominal pain and colic, diarrhea, blood or mucous in stools, poor feeding and poor growth.