Most people expect an allergic reaction to be an obvious sign of distress, whether it is a rash, trouble breathing or swelling where a bite has occurred. While allergies will often have obvious symptoms, a food intolerance can be much more subtle, especially in children. There is a difference between an allergy to a food and an intolerance, but they both can be troubling for parents. It is important for parents of small children to know the difference, especially if they suspect their child is having problems with the food they are eating.
The main difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance is the system that is affected. The symptoms caused by a food allergy are an immune system response. When symptoms of an allergy occur, it is because the food that has been eaten, usually a protein, is seen by the immune system as an invader and antibodies are formed to fight the invader. Some of the most common foods that trigger an allergic response are nuts, milk, eggs and shellfish. The allergic reasons can be subtle, such as a mild rash, or they can be extreme causing a child to go into anaphylaxis shock, which can be fatal if not quickly treated.
Food intolerance symptoms are a digestive issue and they may include diarrhea, gas or bloating, heartburn, nausea or stomach pain. The most common food intolerance in our culture is lactose intolerance. A trained Allergist in Evansville IN will be able to diagnose both allergies and food intolerance issues, especially if they are a member of an accredited asthma allergy and food intolerance center. Food intolerances, especially lactose intolerance, are more common than food allergies.
About 1% of adults and 7% of children in the United States have food allergies, but about 10% of people in the U.S. have food intolerances. Some intolerances, such as to gluten, can make eating challenging for people, especially kids. If food intolerance symptoms arise about two hours after a meal, the child should see a trained Allergist in Evansville IN or at an Accredited Asthma Allergy & Food Intolerance Center to diagnose the problem.