food allergies symptoms

food allergies symptoms questions and answers

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Q: WHat are symptoms for food allergies?
How do I tell if my daughter who is 8 months old has food allergies? Is constipation one of them?

A: some symptoms of a food allergy are: a rash in diaper area or on face or hives on the body, gassiness and/or bloating, diarrhea and irritability. to my knowledge, constipation is not an indication of a food allergy, but definitely of too little water in her system. as well, it take the body time to adjust to the addition of foods other than breastmilk/formula. my daughter got (and still gets) really constipated with her solids so i have started giving her water in a sippy cup... it seems to help

Q: Food allergies, is there a list of what foods cause what symptoms more often?
I have a delayed food allergy, very hard to pin down what things, I know everyone is different, but a list of say "this food or pesticide has often caused this symptom" would be really helpfull. Mine are lip itching, severe headache and hot localized welt/hive/bumps only on my face....if this sounds simular, I would like to know.

A: www.foodallergy.org The 8 most common food allergies are: fish, shellfish, treenuts, peanuts, dairy, wheat, egg, and soy. Try keeping a food diary. Write down everything you eat, what symptoms you get and when they start. Do this for several days and see if you notice a pattern. You should find an allergist and be tested as well.

Q: What are the symptoms of food allergies for a dog?


A: Determining weather a dog has food allergy is difficult, you will need to call your vet and they will put the dog on a special diet and your dog can not eat anything else but this particular food. I was having the same problem with my pit and I refused to subject her to that. However, if your dog is eating out of a plastic bowl change it too stainless steel or a ceramic bowl. It may help. My pit has such severe allergies I have to give her 125mg of benadryl a day. (don't do this unless you have consulted your Vet) as well as I have to wash her feet in a special shampoo. Talk with your vet it may not even be a food allergy it good be just allergies period.

Q: Food allergy symptoms not caused by food?
I am having horrible reactions to food - throat tightening, breathing, skin problems, etc. However, I'm having reactions to so many things that my doctor thinks I'm not actually allergic to any food, and that it might be something to do with my immune system or thyroid. I have an appointment for a further checkup soon, but in the meantime I can't seem to find any information online about food reactions caused by anything other than allergies or intolerances of the food itself. Does anyone have experience with this or can point me to some good websites? Thanks!

A: Because food allergies, let alone multiple food allergies are uncommon, many physicans just can't believe that's the situation. I would find another physician and get tested for allergies. You may also have other issues, but the reactions you described sound VERY much like: 1. immunological responses (allergic responses) 2. combination of more than one system - i.e. skin, respiratory, nervous. (breathing plus skin) which is anaphylactic and potentially life-threatening. You need to avoid EVERY food that gives you reactions. You need to meet with an allergist to discuss your reactions so you can decide what to test. You need to record the foods and reactions you have so that you can map out what is causing your reactions. Best websites - for support and best range of knowledge, www.kidswithfoodallergies.org for general, FAAN (food allergy and anaphylaxis network) www.foodallergy.org Aside from allergies and intolerances to the food, you could have toxic reactions to additives, preservatives or other things in them. For example sulfite allergies - there are naturally occuring sulfites in foods and those foods also have to be avoided. I'm sorry I don't remember the site I read about these at, it was years ago, but good luck searching :) At least now you have some information to go on. Good luck!

Q: I think my dogs have food allergies, what are the symptoms?
my dog has been having really really bad gas I mean not normal, her skin is flaky and keeps puffing out of her nose like her nose is runny or something. Everything else though is fine.. shes acting normal and seems to be hungry when I give her a treat but wont really eat her food. What is this?

A: Flaky skin could be a symptom of an illness (hypothryroidism is the first thing that comes to mind), it could have to do with allergies, too. Ignoring her food is just her being picky, or it could mean she is ill. There are two great foods for dogs with food allergies: California Naturals and Natural Balance. I use the Cal. Nat. and have seen an incredible improvement in my dogs since switching (about 2 years ago)...bright eyes, soft and shiny coats, no more constant licking and scratching (signs of allergy), no more ear infections (also allergy), no more urinary tract issues (the sign of a bad dog food), and increased energy and elevated mood. If you see signs of allergy, I recommend trying one of these two foods (for at least 2-3 months before you'll really start to see results). If you still see symptoms, your vet can perform allergy skin tests (or can refer you to someone who can) to determine the specific allergen. Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids can help tremendously with skin problems, and at least with the Cal. Nat., there is a good amount right in the food. You may want to try supplementing with either sunflower oil (which could cause diarrhea) or with fish oil capsules. Your vet should be able to provide you with Allerderm Efa-Z Plus (by Virbac), which is a form that you can just squirt right on the dog's food (easy!). Some other signs to look for: Head shaking or scratching, feet chewing, butt scooting, rubbing the head on the furniture or trees, biting the body, appearing to try to pull out the fur, burping, vomiting, flatulence, and/or abnormally frequent stools. Check your dog's food bag's ingredients-the following are very common allergens for dogs: beef, dairy, wheat, soy, chicken, eggs, and corn. One of my dogs is allergic to both corn and chicken, which is why I use the Lamb & Rice version of the Cal. Nat. Your vet can help with diagnosing allergies, but I would steer away from drug therapy if it can be helped. Changes to the food (if a food allergy) are the way to go.

Q: Can I get encephalitis symptoms from food allergies?


A: What type of symptoms are you having and what type of food allergies?

Q: Blood tests show I have food allergies but I don't have symptoms can I still eat the food?
I tried soy milk for the first time a month or so ago and I couldn't breathe well after I had it. When I went to the doctor she did an allergy test on my blood and as expected it said I was allergic to soy. But as well as soy it showed I am allergic to wheat, peanuts, walnuts, and corn. I eat wheat, peanuts, and corn products all the time with no problems. Is it okay if I continue to eat these foods? I have an epipen if anything does happen.

A: Firstly before you take ANY advice offered here you need to discuss your personal results and symptoms with your treating Dr. They are the only one to be able to effectively offer advice to you. The whole point of having an epipen is to avoid using it at ALL costs and by that I mean take whatever means it takes to avoid an allergic reaction-this means avoiding the things you are allergic to and being really really careful Having said that....spt/rast will often show false positive results-real life reactions are usually what you are advised to go by-but this needs to be discussed with your Dr. You know you have real life reactions to soy...but you definitely need to clarify the other ones. good luck caz

Q: What are the symptoms for food allergy, and what could these little red spots be?
I do have an appointment tomorow for myself that I made so my daughter can be checked because she got these little red dots on her body(arms, chest, back, neck and a bit on her forhead, her legs seem unaffected yet, she is 8 months old, also what are the symptoms of food allergy so I can rule that out. Leading up to this rash for two days she had been quite tired then the next day bucked up now this morning when I went to change her from her pajamas was this rash, please help me out if you could- if you may have had a similar experience with your little one.

A: Are they bumpy or flat? I’m thinking heat rash. It is getting hotter each day and babies sweat as a result producing heat rash. An allergy would show up on the face around the mouth, would make her bottom red raw looking, cause irritation or discomfort, diarrhea or a runny nose. Does she have any of that? If you introduced a new food prior to the reaction it could be an allergy. If there are no other symptoms I do think it’s heat rash.

Q: How long does it take for food allergies on the skin to go away?
How long does it usually take for food allergies on the skin to go away? when youre using benadryl..... im breaking out in hives/welts i went on webmd.com and i have the symptoms mild food allergies, and we think it was chamomile or hibiscus that caused it gosh thanks for the help, but i need help that is sensible

A: Don't dignosed yourself when it comes to rashes ont he skin. Make an appointment with a dermatalogist. If it's a food allergy, they'll know or not and be able to send you to an allergist, that would be able to run tests. Don't got oa GP (general practioner) as they usually get it wrong.

Q: Increase food allergies? Does anyone experience these symptoms?
During the late 1990’s I began having problems with my tongue swelling, geographic tongue with painful blisters and difficulty breathing when I eat a some popular food chains. I never had food allergies prior to this. Are there other people with this problem? I am beginning to wonder if globalization and food brought into this country is the culprit since eating at home it never happened and eating at privately owned diners it seldom happens, but at certain chain restaurants it always happens.

A: It could be a sensitivity to preservatives or flavor enhancers and other food additives such as M.S.G.MSG is used far more liberally then most people think,and its not just used in Chinese restaurant's. Have a look at the following websites and read up on food additives,preservatives and flavor enhancers. http://msgtruth.org/ http://msgtruth.org/whywe.htm What Flavorings and Taste Enhancers Cause Reactions? Mono sodium Glutamate (MSG). MSG is a flavor enhancer added to various foods, and also occurs naturally. Reactions to MSG have been called the “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome,” and symptoms include numbness on the back of the neck, shoulders and arms, weakness and palpitations. Other symptoms include facial pressure/tightness, headaches, nausea, chest pain and drowsiness. MSG is also suspected of worsening asthma symptoms. Spices. Spices are the aromatic part of various weeds, flowers, roots, barks and trees. Because they are derived from plants, spices have the ability to cause allergic reactions, just like pollens, fruits and vegetables. The most common spices used include chili peppers, celery, caraway, cinnamon, coriander, garlic, mace, onion, paprika, parsley and pepper. What Preservatives Cause Reactions? Sulfates.Sulfates are common preservatives used in various foods, and are well known to cause a variety of symptoms. Learn more about sulfate allergy. Nitrates and Nitrites. These additives are used as curing agents in meat products. Few reports of reactions to nitrates and nitrites exist, and include urticaria, itching and anaphylaxis. Benzoates. Benzoates are used in foods as antimicrobial preservatives, and have been responsible for worsening asthma, allergic rhinitis, chronic urticaria, and flushing in some people. Sorbates/sorbic acid. Sorbates are added to foods as antimicrobial preservatives. Reactions to sorbates are rare, but have included reports of urticaria and contact dermatitis. How are Reactions to Food Additives Treated? Many of the reactions to food additives, such as with MSG, are mild and resolve without treatment. More severe reactions, including urticaria, angioedema, worsening asthma and anaphylaxis may require immediate medical attention. These reactions are treated much the same way as other food allergies. If reactions are severe, it may be necessary for a person to be prepared for a severe reaction (such as carrying injectable epinephrine and wearing a medical alert bracelet. Otherwise the mainstay of therapy for people with adverse reactions to food additives is avoidance of the culprit food additive. Sources: 1. Wilson BG, Bahna SL. Adverse Reactions of Food Additives. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2005; 95:499-507. 2. Bush RK, Taylor SL, Hefle SL. Adverse Reactions to Food and Drug Additives. In: Adkinson NF, Yunginger JW, Busse WW, et al, eds. Middleton’s Allergy Principles and Practice. 6th edition. Philadelphia: Mosby Publishing; 2003:1645-1663.

Q: How long do the symptoms of food allergy last?
I had an allergic reaction to green tea on Monday and I have been taking Claratin and using nasal spary to help relieve some of the symptoms. I went to a walk in clinic and this is what the doctor recommended to do. My nose has stopped running and I have not been sneezing like I was yesterday. However I still have hives (although they have gone down as well) and my throat and sinuses are sore. My ears are also sore. When will these symptoms subside altogther? Because this sucks :(

A: Your body is still trying to flush out the "toxins" so keep drinking tons of water, don't drink any any coffee, soda, etc or eat junk food. The junk drinks and food takes extra work for your body to process and right now that energy is needed trying to get itself to balance out again - Also increase your fiber intake with a bran cereal (just a little if you're not use to it) or munch pears, a couple prunes, box of raisins etc - Basically you're trying to help your body flush out your system by peeing and pooping! Best wishes!

Q: What are the manifestations of food allergy symptoms?
research

A: Anaphlyaxis - burning in GI tract, diarrhoea, hives, shortness of breath, facial and tongue swelling, stridor, low blood pressure, unconscious, death Intolerance - bloating, diarrhoea/constipation, rashes, feeling tired, lethargy, nausea coelic disease - unsure of all the symptoms

Q: food allergies?
i have never had an allergy test done before. and i was wondering if my symptoms could mean im allergic to some foods.. every time i eat i get real sick to my stomach, and cramp really bad. cramp enough to vomit, and then i get diarriah with it as well. its mainly like pancakes, biscuits things like that, that make me sick... and it seems like it gets worse every day. so if i do have food allergies, then is it possible for them to get worse every day?

A: That totally sounds like a sensitivity to gluten, like in Celiac Disease or a wheat allergy. Biscuits and pancakes have a very high level of gluten (wheat, barley, rye, or oats). Celiac Disease can be tested for with a simple blood test. If you don't want to go to the doctor, try removing all gluten from your diet and see if you feel better. Check out www.Celiac.com and www.glutenfreeforum.com for more information on Celiac Disease. Celiac can cause abdominal cramping, vomitting, diarrhea, cold sores, skin rash (Dermatitis Herpetiformus), depression, constipation, fatty stools, mood swings and/or disorders, anemia, malnutrition, etc... There are a ton of symptoms and your description fits Celiac Disease to a T.

Q: Food Allergies???
I'm curious...those of you with babies/toddlers with food allergies (i.e. dairy, soy, etc.) what were the signs/symptoms that clued you in?

A: I think there are a lot of different reactions. The baby can get a rash or their digestive system may act up, and of course there are more serious symptoms. One family I knew had a baby who was allergic to several formulas. She got colic, diarrhea, and gas. I suggest that you make a note or chart (day, time, and food) of anything that you notice and ask your pediatrician. Don't wait for an appointment if you see a trend, but call in and ask for their advice. Good luck!

Q: Food allergy symptoms... How long will it last?
Hi, The other day I was eating at a Mexican Rest. I am highly allergic to mushrooms and although my food didnt contain mushrooms I fear it was cooked in the same skillet because alot of food there had mushrooms. I was experiencing shortness of breathe and my throat felt tight. Usually when I have a food allergy my tongue gets swollen too but not this time. Just shortness of breath and my heart was beating very fast. I was taken to the ER and they put benadryl and steriods through veins as well. Now Im taking steriods and benadryl orally. I got my reaction 2 days ago and I still feel like once in a while im having difficulty breathing. I was given an inhailer and used it last night. How long should these symptoms last? Thanks!

A: Hi, I'm so sorry you had an anaphylactic reaction and had to go through that. If you are ana to mushrooms remember to mention this when you go to restaurants so they can use a clean pan. I don't know how long reactions will last, but I do know that when an allergen gets into your system it can take weeks for it to clear completely... for example, dairy can go up to 6 weeks or more, but usually the majority of symptoms should clear in a week or two. My allergies are many (more than top 8) but minor (eczema, intestinal, but no ana) I know when I have reactions to something it will take a week or two to clear. I know there are both steroid-regular use inhalers and rescue inhalers (albuterol). I have the latter, just for times when I do have issues breathing (dust mites combined with food or exercise-induced). I can't say anything else about it, I don't know enough. Hope you feel better soon.