Food allergy is a group of diseases that is increasing in the world and in our country. Its frequency is 5-8%.
The foods that most commonly cause food allergy in our country are eggs, cow's milk, hazelnuts, peanuts, walnuts,
lentils and wheat. While egg, cow's milk and wheat allergies usually start to show symptoms in early
infancy and childhood, allergies to nuts may start later
in childhood.
Who should take food allergy tests? What should be done?
Food allergy should be investigated in moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) that occurs in early infancy.
Food allergy should be investigated. Even if the baby is only receiving breast milk, he/she may have developed an allergy to the food
proteins passed through breast milk.
Skin (swelling, redness, facial swelling) related to the newly given food during the period of starting complementary food.
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Emergence of symptoms such as eye swelling, increase in eczema, etc.), respiratory tract (cough, wheezing), vomiting, nausea
also requires investigation of food allergy. In such cases, allergy tests must be performed to accurately identify the responsible allergen
and to evaluate the allergy level.
In cases where allergy tests are not performed, the mother should be given general guidance and care for herself and her baby. /p>
It will restrict the diet, resulting in poor quality breast milk and a child's diet that is perhaps unnecessarily restricted from essential nutrients.
In the patient with an allergy, the allergy level will be checked periodically. With measurements, the period in which the patient's allergy decreases is determined, and information is given whether the relevant food can be safely consumed through the provocation (nutrient loading) test. This monitoring shows that the patient continues his diet even though his allergy level has decreased. It minimizes the time spent deprived of the relevant food. Even though the cow's milk allergy has gone, there are many children who were not able to taste ice cream until they were 4-5 years old, because
their tests continue to be positive, albeit low.
Nutrition. What are the types of allergies?
Food allergies are examined in two main groups: early type and late type:
In early type food allergies, they occur within minutes or hours after food intake
skin itching, rash, eczema, swelling in the eyes, lips, tongue and palate, itching in the nose, discharge,
congestion, sneezing, itchy eyes, watery eyes, redness, itching, cough, shortness of breath, wheezing ,
Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, low blood pressure, weakness, fainting may be observed.
Existence of respiratory or digestive system-related symptoms in addition to skin symptoms
>Defines a life-threatening severe allergic reaction called "anaphylaxis".
In such cases, allergy tests are detected positive.
Food protein-associated enterocolitis, food protein-associated proctocolitis and eosinophilia. In late type food allergies such as gastrointestinal diseases (eosinophilic gastritis / duodenitis / gastroenteritis / colitis)
persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, which usually occurs within a few hours or days after food intake p>
Pain, diarrhea, bloody stool symptoms and sometimes growth retardation are observed. In this type of food allergies, positive results cannot usually be detected in skin tests and blood tests. The diagnosis is made when the symptoms disappear after the suspicious food is removed from the diet and the symptoms recur when given under the supervision of an allergist
. A proper diet diary and close monitoring are essential for these patients.
It is very important.
I wish you a healthy day
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