Food Allergies and Food Intolerances are conditions that involve adverse reactions to certain foods, but they differ in their underlying mechanisms and symptoms.
Food Allergies:
Cause: Triggered by an immune system response to specific proteins in foods, leading to symptoms such as hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis in severe cases.
Diagnosis: Diagnosed through allergy tests, including skin prick tests or blood tests to identify allergen-specific antibodies.
Management: Involves avoiding the allergenic foods and carrying emergency medication, such as epinephrine, for severe reactions.
Food Intolerances:
Cause: Result from the digestive system’s inability to process certain foods, often due to enzyme deficiencies. Symptoms include bloating, gas, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
Diagnosis: Identified through dietary elimination and challenge tests, and sometimes breath tests for lactose intolerance.
Management: Typically involves avoiding or reducing the intake of trigger foods and managing symptoms through dietary adjustments.
Understanding and managing food allergies and intolerances is crucial for maintaining health and preventing adverse reactions.
