Philippine Nurse

Food allergies are often misunderstood, even if the recognition of the society, and education on the condition is rising. See if you heard - or believes - one of the following myths about food allergies:

1. "You're" allergic "to any food that gives you problems." This assertion is false, because there are several problems that can occur after eating specific foods, the majority of whom are unrelated to the allergy. True food allergies are immunological reactions involving the class of immunoglobulin (proteins that help the body's immune response) known as immunoglobulins (Ig) E. Other types of reactions to foods that are not food allergies include food (such as milk or lactose intolerance), food poisoning and toxic reactions. The prevalence of food allergy in the population is much lower than the prevalence of adverse reactions to foods. It is estimated that the true food allergies occur in 2-5% of the population.

2. "All food allergies among children resolve as they age." As they grow older, some children can tolerate foods that previously caused allergic reactions. This is more likely to occur in the case of allergies to milk, eggs, and wheat, whose seriousness of the reactions (or symptoms) can decrease towards the end of childhood. It is not clear in all cases, however, if the improvement of symptoms are an indication that the allergy has disappeared. For example, in wheat allergy (celiac disease) can improve symptoms but mild allergic reaction continues in the intestine, and symptoms and signs of allergy may recur years later. On the other hand, milk allergy seems truly disappear as children grow up.

3.

"Allergy to peanuts is the most common food allergy." Allergy to peanuts is food allergy is the most likely cause of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reactions potentially deadly), but only about 0.6% of the population is affected by the peanut allergy. Food allergies the most common reported by adults are allergic to fruits and vegetables.

4. "Food allergies always begin in childhood." Allergies to fruits and vegetables may develop later in life because of similarities in fruit and vegetables with allergenic proteins suspended in the air, such as pollen. Allergens airborne causes the body to produce Ig E, and E Ig then reacts with proteins similar in fruits and vegetables.

5. "Allergy shots are an effective treatment for food allergies." Desensitization to certain allergens by the injection of extracts small amounts of the allergen over a long period was an effective therapy for certain allergies (such as allergies to pollens). However, there is no scientific evidence that such plans can prevent allergic reactions to food.