An allergy can start with itching in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, ears and nose, with general discomfort and sneezing … redness of the skin, itching, hives, angiodema and even …
What Causes Allergies? and what are the recommendations of Dr. Eduardo López Bran, head of the Dermatology Service of the Hospital Clínico Universitario San Carlos and director of the IMEMA Clinic in Madrid, not to suffer them. Allergies are annoying and if they are not controlled, people lose their normal lives.
Milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, dried fruits such as walnuts, peanuts or peanuts, wheat, soybeans and multiple processed foods that contain some derived protein, even food additives, basically yellow dye and sulfites, which are used in the industry to altering their physical and sensory characteristics (taste, smell, color) or keeping them for a longer time, are the main responsible for food intolerances and allergies.
Dr. Eduardo López Bran, head of the Dermatology Service of the Hospital Clínico Universitario San Carlos and director of the IMEMA Clinic in Madrid, reiterates that the only way to avoid food allergies, once specialists have diagnosed the origin of the itching, hives or an anaphylactic crisis, is based on not ingesting these foods and understanding, without any doubt, the information on the labeling of the products.
“When we eat and drink, the normal thing is that we feel good, that is, that the digestive system processes food properly and takes advantage of its hydrants and nutrients; but sometimes they make us feel bad, and this may be due to an intolerance or allergy, a biological setback with which we will suffer, at least, heavy digestion: our body reacts in an uncomfortable way ”.
Food allergy: from hives to anaphylactic concussion
If after eating or drinking pink welts appear, we could be facing an allergic reaction from our body. In these cases, the body releases chemicals that in turn cause inflammation in the skin. Hives even form. We are facing hives, the most frequent reaction. Itching is another symptom that usually disappears, too, a short time later.
"But sometimes some foods can cause serious food allergies in a few minutes and even after a couple of hours or so (immediate hypersensitivity), mainly motivated by some type of immune reaction mediated by immunoglobulin E, concentration of different IgE antibodies", explains Dr. López Bran.
Antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system (B lymphocytes), cells found in the blood and in lymphatic tissue.
Immunoglobulin IgE, a type of antibody greatly reduced in the blood, increases enormously in the face of certain allergenic substances that reach the body by any route (ingestion, inhalation, contact).
This large amount of IgE antibodies then causes the cells (mast cells and basophils) to produce histamines, which in turn causes symptoms in any organ of the body, although it normally affects the most exposed parts, such as the digestive system, skin or respiratory system; even to the cardiovascular system.
"Faced with a severe food allergy reaction, of an immunological type, we must go to a hospital where we can be treated urgently depending on the severity of the allergic reaction or
degree of allergy to the allergen contained in the responsible food ”, points out the dermatologist.
Anaphylaxis concussion must be avoided at all costs
This “shock” is described as a multisystemic allergic reaction that can be life-threatening for the shocked person. The same food allergen does not produce the same symptoms and does not do it with the same intensity. Furthermore, each individual’s reaction to the allergen cannot be compared to that of another. A trace of the food, a very small amount, is enough to trigger the reaction of the immune system.
What is common in most cases is the speed with which the symptoms appear, immediately after the ingestion of the provoking food.
It can start with itching in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, ears and nose, with general discomfort and sneezing … redness of the skin, itching, hives, angiodema … tightness in the throat, difficulty swallowing … feeling of choking and chest tightness … swelling of the lips, tongue and palate … abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea … palpitations, drop in blood pressure … even loss of consciousness.
To analyze and diagnose some types of allergies, the allergen-specific immunoglobulin E test is carried out in order to fix certain allergens: food, pollens, molds, animal dander, mites, latex, medicines, etc.
Doctor Eduardo López Bran
"Alleviating the itch and reducing minor dermatological lesions is resolved in a few minutes or a few hours with patience and perhaps with some medication or cream. A serious allergic reaction or an anaphylactic concussion requires the intervention of the Emergency Services (112 in Spain), given that health and sometimes life are in danger ”, concludes Dr. Eduardo López Bran. Photograph by D. Talles.