Amazingly, it’s believed that up to eight percent of adults and five percent of children suffer from food allergies. Not only that, but those numbers look to be rising. As a result, it’s important to understand food allergies, the issues they could create, and what can be done about them since you’re likely to know someone who suffers from this condition.

Nuts

A nut allergy – particularly one to peanuts – can be deadly since it can quickly progress to anaphylaxis. It is, nevertheless, a common allergy, affecting around one in every 100 people. This is why nut-free information is often seen on food packaging and in restaurants, as more and more people are becoming aware that feeding sufferers anything that may contain nuts may have serious – and in some instances, lethal – repercussions. The only way to avoid being harmed is to eliminate all traces of nuts from your diet. 

If you know someone with a nut allergy, learning first aid and CPR could save their life if they accidentally come into contact with something they are allergic to. Visit the site to learn more about why this is so important. 

Cow’s Milk

Cow’s milk allergies are most common in infants and young children, although they may also affect adults. It can be induced by exposing children to cow’s milk before their systems are developed enough to digest it correctly (about six months old), but even if this is the case, 90 percent of children overcome this allergy by the age of three. 

If you or your children are allergic to cow’s milk, a reaction will take place within half an hour of consuming it, with symptoms including vomiting, swelling, and hives. The only way to treat this allergy is to avoid all cow’s milk products, including cheese, butter, cream, yogurt, and other dairy products.

Eggs

Eggs are the second most prevalent allergen-causing food. According to studies, about 70 percent of children who are allergic to eggs as youngsters will outgrow the allergy by the age of 16, which is excellent news since an egg allergy can cause hives and rashes, stomach pains and diarrhea, and even breathing difficulties. An egg allergy can cause anaphylaxis in certain situations (but this is uncommon). 

As with cow’s milk, the best method to avoid an allergic response to eggs is to avoid them totally. However, some people can handle eggs when they are cooked in a dish, so although an egg by itself may be problematic, an egg-containing cake would be all right. 

Wheat

Wheat allergies might be growing more frequent than many others, or it might just be better understood and hence picked up more quickly than it was in the past. If you have a wheat allergy, you are allergic to the proteins present in wheat, and if you consume wheat-based goods, you may have hives, vomiting, digestive trouble, and swelling. 

Although it’s not the same as celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, the symptoms are comparable. Interestingly, the health advantages of not incorporating wheat or grains in someone’s diet are becoming increasingly well-known. If you suspect you have a wheat allergy, a simple skin prick test can confirm it, so booking an appointment with your doctor is a smart idea.