Symptoms of a food allergy, from mild to severe

Crab is one of the delicious seafood that can spoil the tongue. But unfortunately, many complain of dizziness after eating it. If you experience it, it could be that you have an allergy to crab.

The reason is, food allergies can cause dizziness that appears immediately or a few hours after consuming them. So, what other symptoms of a food allergy might also occur?

Various food allergy symptoms that can arise

Basically, allergic reactions are triggered by foods containing certain types of protein. When these proteins enter the body, the immune system will recognize them as dangerous substances that pose a threat. As a result, the body also produces antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE).

Antibodies will move towards the cells which will release histamine. The presence of histamine in the bloodstream then causes allergy symptoms after you eat these foods, one of which is the dizziness you experience after eating crab.

Usually allergies not only cause one symptom but there are other symptoms that accompany it. As for various other symptoms that generally appear, it is itching, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, or swelling of several parts of the body such as the lips, face and throat.

However, allergies can also cause severe and life-threatening symptoms, this is known as anaphylaxis. If you have experienced these symptoms, you should of course seek medical help immediately.

You need to know, the symptoms experienced by each person can vary depending on the cause of the food allergy. You also won't always feel the same symptoms every time you experience an allergic reaction.

Mild food allergy symptoms

Usually allergy symptoms can occur about a few minutes after food enters the body. However, there are also those who experience symptoms a few hours later. Here are some common symptoms of food allergies.

1. Red rash

One of the most common symptoms that one will experience after ingesting food allergens is the appearance of a reddish rash on the skin. This reddish rash appears due to the presence of histamine which triggers inflammation under the skin.

In some people, the rash lasts longer depending on how quickly the body's immune system reacts to the allergens in the food. In addition, the appearance of these symptoms is also influenced by the type or how much food that triggers allergies has been consumed.

2. Itching

The appearance of a symptomatic red rash is usually followed by an itching sensation on the skin. Itching appears because the skin tissue has special cells that function to protect it from foreign substances. In this case, these special cells work to protect the skin from allergens that enter the body.

Sometimes, this itchy reaction can also occur in other parts of the body where there is no rash. Launching the American College of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), itching can be felt on the roof of the mouth, tongue, lips, or throat.

If you start to feel itching and rashes on your skin, you should not scratch immediately as this will only make the itching worse and last longer. Scratching the skin will also increase the risk of cuts and infections.

3. Nausea and vomiting

The nausea and vomiting that you experience every time you eat certain foods may also occur as symptoms of a food allergy. This reaction appears to be an attempt to protect you by encouraging the elimination of allergy-triggering foods.

The human immune system that secretes antibodies and histamine will cause inflammation which will be received by the brain as a danger signal to the body. The brain will also order the body to remove the food by regurgitating it through the mouth.

In addition to nausea and vomiting, you may also experience discomfort in the form of stomach cramps or flatulence.

4. Diarrhea

Another digestive symptom that can result from a food allergy is diarrhea. Similar to the previous explanation, the histamine and antibodies that are released will trigger inflammation in the digestive organs. This reaction is what prompts the digestive system to immediately remove allergens from the body until they run out.

5. Swelling

Swelling can appear around the lips, tongue, or eyes. This symptom is also known as angioedema. This swelling can also occur in the throat. The swollen tissue due to exposure to food allergens will cause a narrowing of the cavity.

These allergy symptoms can last one to three days after eating the food that triggers the allergy. Sometimes this symptom is also accompanied by itching.

6. Respiratory disorders

After inflammation occurs in the inflammatory tract through which food passes, symptoms of shortness of breath can occur. The immune system that detects allergens produces histamine, so that the respiratory tract becomes inflamed and becomes swollen and secretes mucus.

It is because of this reaction that the throat narrows, preventing air from leaving and entering normally. Every inhalation and exhalation of breath will produce a whistling sound called wheezing.

Symptoms of a severe food allergy

When allergic reactions are not treated promptly, symptoms can get worse over time. Especially if you continue to eat foods that contain allergens and eat them in large quantities, as a result, your immune system will release more chemicals as well.

A severe allergy symptom that comes on quickly is also called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis causes the body's immune system to release large amounts of chemicals that can cause anaphylactic shock. Your blood pressure drops suddenly, the airways also narrow and block breathing.

In fact, the symptoms experienced are similar to mild symptoms, but they are higher in intensity and can relax the body. Symptoms of anaphylactic shock due to food allergies are also accompanied by drastic drop in blood pressure, weakened heart rate, difficulty breathing, and dizziness that can make you lose consciousness.

Anaphylactic shock is certainly very dangerous and can be life threatening if not treated immediately because it can stop breathing or the heartbeat. People who experience this reaction should get an epinephrine injection immediately and go to the emergency room.

Anaphylaxis is more likely to occur in people who have had previous anaphylaxis, people who have asthma or more than one type of allergy, and people who have other conditions such as heart disease or excess white blood cells.

Allergy or intolerance, how is the difference between the two?

Maybe some people think that allergies and intolerance are the same two things, considering that there are some similar symptoms such as nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, allergies and intolerance are different things.

Food intolerance occurs because the body does not have special enzymes that can digest certain types of food. Intolerance can also be caused by Celiac disease, an immune disease that prevents a person from eating foods containing gluten protein. A body that is too sensitive to chemicals in food can trigger intolerance.

The difference with food allergy symptoms, food intolerance symptoms appear slowly and most of them will only occur after consuming large amounts of food. Food intolerance will not cause death, but the symptoms can make your body feel sick and uncomfortable and attack your digestive system more.

When to see a doctor?

Sometimes an allergic reaction goes away on its own, but if the symptoms get worse don't hesitate to get it checked out. Therefore, you should immediately visit your doctor while an allergic reaction still occurs so that the problem can be diagnosed as soon as possible.

Especially if the symptoms have been felt several times after you eat certain foods. You have to do some checks to really find out any food allergies you have. If you are suspected of having an allergy, the doctor will refer you for further tests.

Not only that, you also have to start reading information labels about the ingredients contained in a food or beverage product that will be consumed. Your doctor may guide you about first aid measures if you accidentally ingest allergenic foods.

Also know the symptoms that can appear carefully. If you have a severe allergy, always have an injection of epinephrine on hand as a precaution and go to the emergency room immediately when symptoms develop. Keep in mind that these injections must be purchased with a doctor's prescription.