Food Allergy VS. Food Intolerance
It’s pretty common for children to have a reaction to a certain food, but in most cases it's an intolerance rather than a true allergy. Why does it matter? Although they may have similar symptoms, a food allergy can be more serious. The following guidelines could help you determine whether your child's reaction to a certain food is brought about by an allergy or an intolerance.
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Food Allergy: |
Food intolerance |
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When the immune system mistakes something in food as harmful and attacks it. And therefore, affecting the whole body, not just the stomach.
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Usually comes on suddenly
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Small amount of food can trigger
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Happens every time the food is eaten
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Can be life-threatening
Symptoms:
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Rash, hives or itchy skin
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Shortness of breat
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Chest pain
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Sudden drop in blood pressure
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Trouble swallowing / breathing
Common food allergies:
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Peanuts & tree nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
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Fish & Shellfish
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Milk
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Eggs
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Soy
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Wheat
What about gluten allergy?
While celiac disease (a long-lasting digestive condition that’s triggered by eating gluten and does involve the immune system, it doesn’t cause life-threatening symptoms)
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When a food irritates the stomach or the body can't properly digest it.
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Usually comes on gradually
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May only happen when a lot of the food is eaten
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May only happen if the food is consumed often
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Is not life-threatening
Symptoms:
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Gas, cramps, bloating
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Heartburn
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Headaches
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Irritability / Nervousness
Common food intolerances:
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Lactose intolerance:
Happens when people can’t digest lactose (a sugar found in milk and dairy)
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Sensitivity to sulfites or other food additives.:
This can trigger asthma attacks
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Shared symptoms of food allergies & intolerances:
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Nausea
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Stomach Pain
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Diarrhea
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Vomiting
Treating food allergies & intolerances:
Food Allergy:
Stop eating the food altogether
Food Intolerance:
Avoid / cut back on the food causing fire-up
For lactose intolerance; use lactose-free milk or take lactase enzyme supplements
Preventing symptoms of allergies & intolerances:
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Learn which foods and how much of them trigger symptoms
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Either avoid the food or only have as much as you/your child can have without triggering symptoms.
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When eating out, ask your server about how the meal will be prepared. It may not always be clear from the menu whether some dishes contain problem-causing foods.
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Learn to read food labels and check the ingredients for trigger-foods. Don't forget to check condiments and seasonings as well; they may contain Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) or another additive that can cause symptoms.
By Raya M. AbuYounis
Registered Clinical Nutritionist (King's College London -UK)
MSc International Health Management (Imperial College London -UK)