Food Allergy Awareness – Telltale Allergy Signs and Prevention

May 03, 2023 Allergy and OTC Hay Fever

 

If you are someone who has, or suspect that they or a family member may have a food-related allergy this blog post may be useful. There are many allergens in the world and there’s often no guessing what someone may be sensitive to. With 1 in 4 people having an allergy it is definitely something we should all be more aware of. 

A food allergy is where your body reacts to specific foods or ingredients in a negative way. While many food allergy responses are mild, not all are and awareness is important in order to educate ourselves on food allergies, how to find triggers, gain support and stay safe and well.

In April each year many allergy-related charities and organisations hold a food allergy awareness week. The theme of this day in 2023 is childhood food allergies. Children are more likely to react to food than adults and it’s important to have an awareness of the risk and the actions that must be taken in order to keep everyone safe.

 

Symptoms Relating to a Food Allergy

How someone with a food allergy will react can vary. Milder symptoms include an itch in the mouth, nose or ears, a mild rash around the mouth, a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, a stomach ache and more.

In more severe cases vomiting, wheezing or anaphylaxis may occur. This is when you seek immediate medical support. 

 

What Causes an Allergic Reaction to Food?

The allergy is caused when the immune system reacts to the food in question. The immune system attacks something it feels threatens your system and this is what causes the reaction, which may vary in severity. While someone can be allergic to anything there are common food triggers. These include:
 

• Eggs

• Dairy

• Wheat

• Nuts

• Fish/shellfish

 

This is not an exhaustive list but one to keep in mind as these are the foods most likely to trigger an allergic response.

 

Diagnosing a Food Allergy

In severe cases the GP will be able to assess or signpost you or your family member to a specialist for allergy testing. For milder reactions the first course of action would usually be to keep a food diary and monitor triggers. It can take time to rule out triggers and to get an assessment of all known or likely foods that can cause an issue. There is a lot of medical support and charities who offer advice. 

If you suspect a food allergy please do seek appropriate advice.

 

Allergies and Mental Health

Living with an allergy, particularly severe allergic reactions, can be hard work. All food has to be carefully monitored which can make eating out, social occasions and even going to work or school difficult for some. Being aware personally of triggers and sharing information with those around you can help. 

Dealing with food allergies can be mentally tiring and this may have an effect on someone’s mental health. Please seek extra help and support if this is something that you feel you could benefit from.

 

Products to Help with Allergies and Gut Health

As well as vigilance and trigger monitoring there are some products which can help ward off the symptoms of food allergies, other allergies and look after and strengthen your gut.

Here at Simply Meds Online we stock a number of these products. These include Milkaid, Doctor Gut, Fexofenadine, Piriton, Optibac, Allevia and Omeprazole.

Fexofenadine is the generic name for a popular antihistamine that you can often find in products such as Allevia. A non-drowsy medication, this is particularly good for hayfever sufferers. For anyone with mild allergies having Piriton or a similar suitable product to hand can be advantageous.

Milkaid comes in raspberry-flavoured chewable tablets that make it easier to for the body to break down lactose. For those who are sensitive to lactose these can be a real help.

Doctor Gut Bloating Relief can be very helpful to those who suffer from IBS and/or sensitivities which may cause bloating, trapped wind and discomfort. This clever formulation does this by trapping the toxins that settle in the membranes of the gut using natural mineral clay and Simethicone which helps gas bubbles to form so that they can pass more easily, relieving discomfort. 

Food sensitivities or allergies as well as gut issues can result in distracting and often painful heartburn or indigestion. Omeprazole is a once-a-day tablet that can offer fast-acting relief.

For severe allergies a doctor or specialist would need to prescribe stronger, more targeted medications, An EpiPen, for example, is something those with severe food allergies will be very familiar with. 

 

Food Allergy Awareness - In Conclusion

When it comes to food allergies it’s important to share information and continue to raise awareness. Many schools, for example, are nut-free due to the danger of a severe reaction. These kinds of accommodations can make it easier for someone with a food allergy to manage. Clear menus and labels are also essential. With food allergies being common the more we all know the better it is for everyone. 

If you think that you may be suffering from an allergy, even if it is something you used to be able to eat or drink but now can’t, please get advice from your pharmacist or your GP.