WHAT IS AN ALLERGIC REACTION?
An allergic reaction can be extremely rapid and in some cases, life threatening. Allergens are molecules in the environment that are generally not meant to be harmful but to a certain few can trigger off an inappropriate immune response resulting in swelling, inflammation and pain. It is the protein in an allergen that is usually the trigger and as it is a major component of food, allergic reactions are often food related. A sufferer’s immune response triggers a special type of antibody , IgE (food intolerances are mainly IgG) which binds to the protein of the allergen and acts as a warning marker for the immune system. The immune system recognizes the activated antibody causing it to release a cascade of combating responses to the area where the marker is showing. This includes the release of histamine from Mast Cells, a major component in an allergic reaction.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
There are two types of allergen, one is food related such as peanuts, strawberries and prawns and the other is from the environment such as pollen, animals and dust. The most common symptoms are sneezing, itchy eyes, skin reactions, shortness of breath, swelling and sinus problems. Reactions are usually fairly immediate as IgE antibodies are generally found in tissue close to external contact such as the skin of mouth. Intolerance antibodies IgG are more commonly found in deeper internal tissue which is why the reaction is more likely to be delayed.

Some sufferers can go into an extremely severe anaphylactic shock as the reaction effects the whole body causes restricted airways, low blood pressure, swelling and loss of consciousness. Sadly in some rare cases this can lead to death particularly if immediate treatment is not available.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A FOOD ALLERGY?
Unlike food intolerances, for most allergy sufferers their condition is only too obvious. As symptoms are generally so rapid it doesn’t take many reactions before a sufferer spots the connection and learns to avoid the allergen. But as usual things aren’t always that straightforward. For example, people generally do not get a reaction the first time they come into contact with an allergen. The first contact is when the body builds up its resistance so that when contact is made the second time, it can generate a large response. Also in childhood allergic reactions can fluctuate as the child builds up its immunity, meaning they can grow out of it when they reach adulthood.

Questions to ask yourself are –
• How quickly did the reaction start?
• Are they always at the same intensity with the same allergen?
• How was the food cooked, stored and prepared?
• Are symptoms seasonal or have any other common environmental factors?
• Do conventional treatments such as antihistamines help?
• These will help you establish if it is a pure allergy or if other factors are involved. There are also tests available but as with food intolerance, make sure you go for a test that has a science background and clinical validity, preferably with some dietary support.

HOW CAN I MANAGE MY ALLERGY?
Food allergies are medically recognized but very under resourced so if you suspect you have an allergy, your doctor will be able to give you advice but unfortunately very little practical help is available on the NHS.

Fortunately there is an awful lot you can do yourself that can help you avoid allergic reactions. Obviously the most obvious is to avoid the offending food or stay away from environments containing allergens. But of course this is not always easy and many sufferers also become expert food label readers or seasonal botany experts.
As with any health condition caring about your overall health is a priority as factors such as smoking, high intakes of alcohol, poor diet or stress problems can really exacerbate your symptoms.

People with severe allergies need to take precautions such as always carrying a pre- loaded adrenaline pen. With allergies, knowledge is power, the more you know the more you will be able to help not just yourself but also how to advise others of your condition.
New and exciting research and approaches to both food allergies and intolerances makes the future look promising for sufferers and we aim to keep these pages updated with all the most recent research and help so watch this space!

For further advice on allergy testing www.allergy.co.uk