MECHANISMS AND MANAGEMENT OF FOOD ALLERGY AND INTOLERANCE

95 Pages·2005·1.74 MB·English

MECHANISMS AND
MANAGEMENT OF FOOD
ALLERGY AND INTOLERANCE
Janice M Joneja, Ph.D., R.D.N.
© J.M.Joneja Ph.D. 2001
Symptoms of Food Allergy
Controversy among practitioners because there
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are no definitive tests for food allergy
Rhinoconjunctivitis (hayfever), asthma and
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atopic dermatitis (eczema) generally considered
part of the “allergic diasthesis”
Other conditions, especially in the digestive tract
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and nervous system are considered more
“subjective” and many practitioners dismiss
them as “fictitious” or psychosomatic
Examples of Allergic Conditions and
Symptoms
Respiratory Tract
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Seasonal or perennial rhinitis (hayfever)
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Rhinorrhea (runny nose)
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Allergic conjunctivitis (itchy, watery, reddened
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eyes)
Serous otitis media (earache with effusion)
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Asthma
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Laryngeal edema (throat tightening due to
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swelling of tissues)
Examples of Allergic Conditions and
Symptoms
Skin and Mucous Membranes
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Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
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Urticaria (hives)
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Angioedema (swelling of tissues, especially
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mouth and face)
Pruritus (itching)
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Contact dermatitis (rash in contact with
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allergen)
Oral allergy syndrome (irritation and swelling
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of tissues around and inside the mouth)
Examples of Allergic Conditions and
Symptoms
Digestive Tract
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Diarrhea
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Constipation
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Nausea and Vomiting
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Abdominal bloating and distension
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Abdominal pain
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Indigestion (heartburn)
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Belching
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Examples of Allergic Conditions and
Symptoms
Nervous System
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Migraine
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Other headaches
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Spots before the eyes
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Listlessness
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Hyperactivity
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Lack of concentration
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Tension-fatigue syndrome
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Irritability
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Chilliness
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Dizziness
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Examples of Allergic Conditions and
Symptoms
Other
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Urinary frequency
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Bed-wetting
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Hoarseness
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Muscle aches
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Low-grade fever
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Excessive sweating
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Pallor
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Dark circles around the eyes
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Anaphylaxis
Severe reaction of rapid onset, involving
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most organ systems, which results in
circulatory collapse and drop in blood
pressure
In the most extreme cases the reaction
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progresses to anaphylactic shock with
cardiovascular collapse
This can be fatal
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Anaphylaxis
Usual progress of reaction
Burning, itching and irritation of mouth and oral
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tissues and throat
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea
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Feeling of malaise, anxiety, generalized itching,
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faintness, body feels warm
Nasal irritation and sneezing, irritated eyes
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Hives, swelling of facial tissues, reddening
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Chest tightness, bronchospasm, hoarseness
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Pulse is rapid, weak, irregular, difficult to detect
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Loss of consciousness
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Death may result from suffocation, cardiac arrhythmia
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or shock
Anaphylaxis
Not all symptoms occur in each case
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Symptoms may appear in any order
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The later the onset of symptoms after eating the food,
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the less severe the reaction
Severe reactions occur within minutes to up to an hour
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of ingestion of allergen
Onset can be delayed for up to two hours
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In majority of cases of fatal anaphylactic reaction to food,
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patient was asthmatic
Potential for anaphylaxis increases when patient is
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receiving desensitization injections and is allergic to
wasp and bee venom