Food Allergy or Food Sensitivity: What’s the Difference?

Tampa FL

28 May, 2021

10:45 AM

Description

By Gastro MD If you’ve ever eaten something and had an unusual physical reaction, you may have assumed you were allergic to that food item—or one of its component ingredients. The terms food allergy and food sensitivity are often mistakenly interchanged, but they are not the same. Not only do the conditions have different symptoms, but they also impact different systems in the body–making one potentially life-threatening. Let’s break down the difference and pinpoint whether you may have an allergy or sensitivity. Food Allergy If you are allergic to a particular food or ingredient, consuming it will set off a reaction in your immune system and cause a range of symptoms. True food allergies impact specific organs, and the response can range from mild to deadly. The following reactions are signs of your body’s allergic response: Hives (red, itchy welts or rashes on the skin)Itching of the eyes and mouthShortness of breathAnaphylaxisAngioedema (swelling of the face)DizzinessGasDiarrheaBloatingConstipationAbdominal cramping A peanut allergy, for example, can trigger a response within minutes of consumption or exposure. A mild reaction can include tingling of the lips, itchy eyes and throat and a runny nose. However, in severe cases, the person may experience anaphylaxis, a constriction of the airways, making it hard to breathe. Immediate medical treatment is critical as a severe drop in blood pressure may cause shock and loss of consciousness. According to FoodAllergy.org, the most common food allergies are milk, egg, peanuts, soy, wheat, shellfish and fish. If you suspect that you may have a food allergy, you can get tested. A trained allergy specialist determines whether you’re allergic to a particular food by testing your blood or skin. In some cases, you may be advised to follow an elimination diet for a time to identify potential allergens. Food Sensitivity Unlike allergies, food sensitivities and intolerances are generally not life-threatening because they do not trigger your immune system. Instead, food sensitivities are indicators that your body’s digestive system is unable to process and break down the food or ingredient properly. Some causes of food sensitivity include irritable bowel syndrome, recurring stress factors and underlying health conditions. One of the most common examples of food sensitivity is lactose intolerance. If you are sensitive to lactose, the sugar found in milk, you may be deficient in the digestive enzyme essential to breaking down the lactose in dairy products—lactase—so your body can absorb it. When lactose is improperly broken down, it sits in the gut and causes common food sensitivity and intolerance symptoms, like: Pay attention to how your body reacts to any food you suspect you may be allergic or sensitive to. Understanding any food allergies versus sensitivities is helpful because they may indicate serious issues with your immune and gastrointestinal systems.