IMMUNOLOGY

FOOD ALLERGIES

08 July 2023

LO 1 : Describe food allergy

Food allergy is when the body immune system reacts to a food (allergen)

The immune system produces allergy antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) that can
result in symptoms.

LO 2 : Describe symptoms of food allergy

Signs and symptoms of mild to moderate (common) allergic reactions to foods

include:

● Itchy sensation inside mouth, throat & ears

● Hives or welts on the skin
● Swelling of the face, lips, eyes
● Abdominal pain, vomiting

Signs and symptoms of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to foods include

one/more of the following:

● Breathing difficulty/ noisy breathing

● Swollen tongue
● Swelling/ tightness in the throat
● Difficulty talking
● Wheeze/ persistent cough
● Persistent dizziness/collapse

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LO 3 : List causes of food allergy

The most common food allergens are 1cow’s milk (dairy), 2egg 3peanut, 4tree nuts, 5sesame,
soy, 7fish, 8shellfish and 9wheat.
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*in children

*in adults

Almost any substance that is eaten (including herbal medicine) can trigger an allergic reaction

LO 4 : Identify risk factors for food allergy

I. family history - others family members has history of allergy (eg: asthma, eczema, etc)

II. age - higher risk of food allergy due to aging immunity. As individuals age, so do the
immune systems.

III. other allergies - patient is already allergic to one food/substance or already have other
types of allergic diseases

IV. asthma - certain allergic conditions (eg: eczema, hay fever) are linked to people who get
asthma. Because it’s can trigger asthma as food allergic reaction

LO 5 : Differentiate food allergy and food intolerance

FOOD ALLERGY FOOD INTOLERANCE

● System involved: immune system ● System involved: digestive system (GIT)

● Overreacting of immune system to allergen ● Improper food digestion

● Can cause serious/ life threatening rxn if ● Usually can consume in small amounts
come in contact with the food allergen without causing any problems

● Symptoms involved skin, GIT, respiratory ● Limited to GIT symptoms only

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LO 6 : Explain oral allergy syndrome

OAS also known as pollen-food allergy syndrome

The allergen : certain fresh/raw fruits & vegie, nuts, spices that similar to allergy-causing
protein found in certain pollens

LO 7 : Identify investigations to diagnose food allergy

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LO 8 : Outline management of food allergy