allergic reaction occurs,the auto–injector (brand named
Epi-Pen) is held against the skin and the medication is
administered with a shot. Epinephrine is a strong anti-
histamine that stops anaphylaxis very quickly.
There is no cure for food allergies; however, food
allergies may be prevented. By avoiding foods that
cause allergic reactions, an individual can prevent
allergic reaction. Avoiding foods that cause allergic
reactions is called an elimination diet.Before food allergies can be avoided, the offend-
ing food must be identified. There are eight foods that
cause 90% of all food allergies these foods include:
milk
eggs
peanuts
tree nuts (walnuts, cashews, pecans, etc.)
fish
shellfish
soy
wheatOrigins
The fact that some foods cause physical illness has
been recognized throughout history. It was the ancient
Greek, Lucretius who first said, ‘‘One man’s food may
be another man’s poison.’’ Throughout history, people
have avoided foods that seemed to cause ill health. In
the 1960s researchers began to document food allergies
and to verify that avoiding these foods reduced or
eliminated the allergy symptoms all together.
In the following 50 years, screening tests such as
blood tests and skin tests were developed to assist in
identifying food allergies. Treatment including antihist-
amines and anti–inflammatory medications have helped
relieve symptoms, but an elimination diet remains the
single most effective method to treat food allergies.Description
Food allergies occur when the body has an abnor-
mal reaction to a food eaten or touched. In some indi-
viduals, certain foods cause the body to produce
histamine. This histamine travels throughout the body
causing symptoms such as hives, swelling, wheezing,
vomiting, or diarrhea. Once a food allergy has been
identified, an elimination diet is the only effective treat-
ment. By eliminating the food that causes the allergic
reaction, allergic reaction to food may be prevented.
To identify food allergies, a doctor first records a
detailed medical history. The patient will usually keep
a food diary documenting exactly what is eaten and
when. The patient will also record any physical symp-
toms and when they occur. In most cases, patterns of
reaction to specific foods can be seen in the food diary.
Other means of diagnosis food allergies includes
Blood tests (RAST, CAP–RAST)—A sample of
blood is drawn and sent to the lab. These tests meas-
ure antibodies in the blood. These antibodies form in
response to specific foods. These antibodies occur
after the body has been exposed to a food and hasKEY TERMS
Adrenaline—(also called epinephrine) A hormone
released by the body during times of stress, it
increase heart rate and blood pressure. As a medi-
cation, it may be used to constrict blood vessels,
relax breathing tubes, and as a treatment for
anaphylaxis.
Allergen—Any substance that produces an allergic
reaction.
Anaphylaxis (Anaphylactic shock)—A sudden,
severe, and potentially fatal allergic reaction char-
acterized by difficulty breathing, low blood pres-
sure, hives, and swelling.
Antibody—Proteins in the blood that help defend
the body against infection.
Antihistamine—Medication that stops the action of
histamines.
Anti–inflammatory—Medication such as aspirin or
Ibuprophen that reduces swelling.
Diphenhydramine hydrochloride (Benadryl)—An
antihistamine that relieves allergy symptoms.
Epi-Pen—A the brand name of the auto–injectable
form of epinephrine. Used to stop or prevent ana-
phylaxis after expose to an allergen.
Epinephrine—(also called adrenaline) A hormone
released by the body during times of stress, it
increase heart rate and blood pressure. As a medi-
cation, it may be used to constrict blood vessels,
relax breathing tubes, and as a treatment for
anaphylaxis.
Histamine—A substance that is released by the
body in the presence of allergens. It stimulates
dilation of blood vessels, constriction of breathing
tubes, and decreased blood pressure.
IgE—A substance in the body that triggers the body
to release histamine when an allergen enters the
body. IgE is measured in allergy tests.Food allergies