| It is important that you determine if you are having a | | | | you are not given the required treatment in a timely |
| food intolerance versus a food allergy, if eating a | | | | manner. |
| specific food causes you to suffer from some | | | | On the other hand, if you get a tummy ache or |
| symptoms. Many people mistake and confuse the | | | | diarrhea due to eating certain foods, you may be |
| two together. Finding out the difference between | | | | having a food intolerance. You still can eat these |
| the two helps you decide on the best treatment | | | | foods and yet suffer no symptoms if they are eaten |
| option for your ailment. | | | | in small amounts. This is another distinguishing factor |
| When you have a food allergy, your immune system | | | | from a true food allergy. |
| response is triggered. Having said that, only 2 percent | | | | For a food allergy, it is obvious that you would have |
| of adults and 6 percent of children have a true food | | | | to avoid eating that specific food. Severe food |
| allergy that can be dangerous to their health. | | | | allergy symptoms necessitate medical treatment. To |
| Common food allergens include peanuts, shellfish, soy | | | | keep you from going into anaphylectic shock, a shot |
| and wheat. You do not need to consume a whole | | | | of epinephrine may be needed as soon as possible. |
| plateful of your food allergen for it to be fatal. Just a | | | | You may also need to be warded in a hospital for |
| small amount can endanger your life. | | | | emergency treatment and observation. |
| With this, having a food allergy is considered more | | | | To know for sure if you are having a true food |
| severe than having a food intolerance alone. Some of | | | | allergy, you can go for medical testings. It will also |
| the most common symptoms of a food allergy | | | | help if you can maintain a food diary so that you can |
| include hives, eczema, wheezing, swelling of the | | | | record down your observations. When visiting your |
| throat, abdominal pain, and headaches. However, if | | | | doctor, bring the food diary along with you. It can |
| your allergic reactions are severe, you can also suffer | | | | help your doctor determine whether you are just |
| from shock, airway constriction, loss of | | | | having a food intolerance or a food allergy. |
| consciousness and rapid pulse. This can mean death if | | | | |