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The truth about food allergies

(Photo: Pixabay)
(Photo: Pixabay)

If you experience itching in the mouth, swelling of the lips and tongue, or nausea after eating a particular food, you may have a food allergy.

A food allergy can also cause abdominal pain, diarrhoea and eczema and in severe cases, a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis that requires emergency treatment. These symptoms usually develop within a few minutes to two hours after eating the allergic food.

A food allergy is a reaction of the body’s immune system to a ‘harmful’ protein substance in food. It releases chemicals to destroy this substance, and it is these chemicals that produce the allergy symptoms.

(Photo: Pexels)
(Photo: Pexels)

Common sources of food allergy in Singapore include:

  • Fish and shellfish

  • Peanuts

  • Tree nuts, e.g. walnuts and pecans

  • Eggs

  • Cow’s milk

In Singapore, where food allergy rates are generally lower than in Western countries, shellfish is the most common food allergen. Egg allergy is most prevalent among children below the age of 3 and peanut allergy is the most common cause of anaphylaxis in children.

Allergy to bird’s nest, a Chinese delicacy, is unique to Singapore, according to a 2014 study in the Singapore Medical Journal.

(Photo: Pixabay)
(Photo: Pixabay)

What are the causes and risk factors of a food allergy?

The exact cause of a food allergy is not known, but factors such as a family history of asthma, eczema, hives and hay fever can increase your risk of developing it.

Toddlers and infants are more susceptible to food allergies, but they often outgrow these as their digestive systems mature.

Diagnosing and treating a food allergy

If you suspect a food allergy, consult your doctor who may carry out a physical examination, blood test, skin-prick test and a food elimination diet to help with the diagnosis.

For a minor allergic reaction, you are likely to be prescribed antihistamines to reduce symptoms, while an emergency injection of epinephrine may be needed for a severe allergic reaction.

How to prevent an allergic reaction?

  • Remove the problem food from your diet

  • Read all food labels carefully

  • When eating out, get complete information about the ingredients in your selection of dishes

What to do if your child has a food allergy?

  • Have your child wear a medical alert bracelet listing the food allergy, symptoms and first aid in an emergency

  • Notify key people such as childcare and school personnel about your child’s food allergy and provide them with an action plan for dealing with it

  • Teach your child to ask for help for an allergic reaction

Related stories:

6 Tips for Eating Out When You Have Food Allergies and Anaphylaxis

What it’s like to raise a child with food allergies: ‘Some nights, I can’t sleep thinking about the close calls’

How to Keep Your Kids Safe From Food Allergies