Lethal risk of food does not underestimate food allergies

Allergies to food should not be underestimated
The number of people with food allergies (food allergies) has increased significantly in recent years. Health experts say it is often not easy to find the right allergen. Among the main causes of allergies and intolerances include gluten-containing cereals, milk, eggs, fish and nuts.

Food allergies increase
Food allergies have been increasing for many years. According to estimates by the German Allergy and Asthma Association (DAAB), around six million people are affected in Germany alone. "The main triggers in infants and children are cow's milk, soy, chicken eggs, wheat, peanuts and hazelnuts. As a rule, adolescents and adults are more likely to react to raw vegetables and fruits, nuts, fish, crustaceans and molluscs, "writes the DAAB on its website. Reactions to raw vegetables and fruits occur according to the experts in combination with a co-present pollen allergy. The keyword here is "cross allergy". Hay fever is one of the most common allergic diseases anyway. Celiac disease (gluten intolerance) and lactose intolerance (lactose intolerance) are also widespread. But what about rare food allergies?

Around six million Germans suffer from a food allergy. Eating certain foods can trigger allergic reactions. In extreme cases, even a life-threatening anaphylactic shock threatens. (Image: airborne77 / fotolia.com)

Allergic reactions are not limited to individual organs
In an allergy, the body reacts to normally harmless substances from the environment by increasing the number of antibodies against the supposed source of danger. The trigger of the reaction is not the whole food, but only a very small part. Allergic reactions to food are generally not limited to specific organs. The most common symptoms are reactions to the skin and mucous membranes, the ear, nose and throat, bronchial and gastrointestinal tract. It may cause itchy rash, sneezing, shortness of breath, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea and vomiting. According to DAAB, the most severe allergic reaction to food is the anaphylactic shock, which manifests itself as a life-threatening circulatory collapse. The more exotic or rarer an allergy is, the more difficult it is for the treating physicians to find the cause of the condition and identify treatment approaches.

Is there actually a water allergy??
Extremely rare seems to be the so-called water allergy, which allegedly affects 40 people worldwide. According to a report from the Internet portal "web.de", those affected indicate that contact with water causes skin rashes and itching and great pain. "In fact, there is no water allergy," explains Professor Dr. Ludger Klimek, President of the Association of German Allergologists and Head of the Allergy Center Wiesbaden. "That's because our immune system does not recognize water molecules as allergens," said the expert. The term allergy is therefore out of place. However, some people can be particularly violent to contact with water. However, it is often caused by components in the water such as chemical impurities that cause the reactions. "Knowing that it is not the water, but that the person concerned may only have to change the source of water, the fear takes those concerned," says the doctor.

"Extreme hypersensitivity of the skin"
Nonetheless, some people complain about problems after showering or bathing. "When the skin begins to swell, redden or itch, it is in most cases not an allergic reaction but an extreme hypersensitivity of the skin," explains the allergist. The skin of those affected would probably also react to other substances. For example, if the natural protective layer is washed out by the water, redness, burning or dehydration may occur. "Here patients can counteract with appropriate care products or special washing additives," says Professor Klimek.

Cow's milk allergy in young children
Much more problematic is when people are allergic to food. In some cases, the overreactions can even become life-threatening. Known among other things is the cow's milk allergy, which can occur in babies after four weeks and is also possible when breastfeeding. It is not to be confused with lactose intolerance. Cow's milk allergy is one of the most common food allergies in young children. According to "web.de", the allergy is usually detected in the transition from breast milk to supplements. The child's immune system has contact with foreign proteins for the first time after weaning with cow's milk. There is an overreaction and typical allergy symptoms in the digestive tract, on the skin or in the respiratory tract. If the suspicion of cow's milk allergy is confirmed, the product is best avoided. "That's possible, and you can live without major restrictions. There are some fall-out products that you can cope with and thus do without a lot, "says Professor Klimek.

Nut allergies are hard to handle
It is less easy for people who suffer from a nut allergy. Even in its mildest form, a peanut and nut allergy can lead to skin rashes, nausea and difficulty in breathing as well as swelling of the tongue and lips. In the most extreme form, however, even an anaphylactic shock can be caused, putting those affected in mortal danger. Due to the sometimes extreme reactions, those affected usually have no choice but to avoid any contact with peanuts and nuts. In addition, they have to carry adrenaline with them to counteract anytime as quickly as possible. The renunciation is not easy, because peanuts are processed in a variety of foods. In addition, in the production of residues of nuts can get into food, which are actually produced peanut-free. "In order to prevent severe allergic reactions and implement a nut-free diet in everyday life practicable, an individual nutritional therapy with an allergological specialist is indispensable," writes the DAAB. Also, the Action Forum Allergology, an association of scientific societies and professional associations, recommends those affected to seek help from specialists. If allergies are not taken seriously, it can lead to far-reaching consequences for those affected, such as severe asthma or chronic skin diseases. In isolated cases anaphylactic shock and even death can occur. (Ad)