Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD. Larger text size Large text size Regular text size. Food allergies also can make someone feel ill. But some some also can cause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis. It occurs when you are unable to breakdown the food properly.
This could be due to enzyme deficiencies, sensitivity to food additives or reactions to naturally occurring chemicals in foods. Often, people can eat small amounts of the food without it causing problems. A food allergic reaction involves the immune system. Your immune system controls how your body defends itself.
Your immune system overreacts by producing antibodies called Immunoglobulin E IgE. These antibodies travel to cells that release chemicals, causing an allergic reaction. Unlike an intolerance to food, a food allergy can cause a serious or even life-threatening reaction by eating a microscopic amount, touching or inhaling the food. Gastrointestinal symptoms may include vomiting and diarrhea. Anaphylaxis pronounced an-a-fi-LAK-sis is a serious allergic reaction that happens very quickly.
Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include difficulty breathing, dizziness or loss of consciousness. Without immediate treatment—an injection of epinephrine adrenalin and expert care—anaphylaxis can be fatal. To the Point There is a very serious difference between being intolerant to a food and having a food allergy.
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