Food allergy is an allergic condition that occurs when the immune system overreacts to certain foods. Substances that trigger this reaction are called allergens, and the answer to “What is an allergen?” is precisely the proteins that initiate this immune response. Proper identification of food allergies requires a food allergy test under medical supervision. These tests determine the type of allergy and make the treatment process more effective. Below, you can find detailed information about the most common types of allergies, their causes, diagnosis, and treatment methods.
Most Common Food Allergies
The rise in allergy cases worldwide calls for greater attention to daily nutrition. According to statistics, the most common food allergies include:
- Dairy products
- Eggs
- Fish and seafood
- Wheat and gluten-containing products
- Nuts (such as walnuts, almonds, peanuts)
- Citrus fruits (especially oranges)
These allergens can cause different symptoms depending on age. Therefore, timely evaluation and testing are essential if a food allergy is suspected.
Wheat Flour Allergy and Analysis
Wheat flour allergy is characterized by an immune reaction to wheat-containing products. This condition should not be confused with gluten sensitivity, as they involve entirely different immunological mechanisms.
Symptoms may include:
- Skin rashes
- Abdominal pain and bloating
- Diarrhea
- Rarely, cough and difficulty breathing
For diagnosis, blood tests for specific allergens as well as skin testing can be performed. Confirmation of a wheat flour allergy should always be done by a qualified allergist.
Orange Allergy and Analysis
Oranges and other citrus fruits can cause mild to moderate allergic reactions in some individuals. Orange allergy is more commonly observed in children, but it can also occur in adults.
Symptoms may include:
- Itching of the lips and around the mouth
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Skin rashes
- Rarely, shortness of breath
To diagnose an orange allergy, skin tests and blood tests can be performed. Allergic reactions occur because certain proteins in oranges trigger an excessive response from the immune system.
How are allergy tests and analysis performed?
To accurately diagnose food allergies, several testing methods are available in medical laboratories. The most commonly used tests include:
- Skin Prick Test: Detects allergic reactions by applying minimal doses of allergens to the skin.
- Blood IgE Analysis: Measures the amount of antibodies produced in response to specific allergens.
- Elimination Diet: Involves temporarily removing suspected allergenic foods from the diet to identify triggers.
These tests help determine the severity and type of allergy, enabling healthcare professionals to develop a precise treatment strategy.
Prevention and Treatment of Allergies
The main principle in treating food allergies is eliminating the allergen from the diet and providing medical intervention based on the symptoms.
Ways to prevent allergies:
- Identify foods that may cause allergies and avoid them,
- Carefully read food labels,
- Introduce new foods to children gradually,
- Take medications prescribed by a doctor in cases of severe allergies.
Early detection of allergies is very important. For accurate results, you can undergo allergy testing at Saglam Aile.