The Most Common Food Allergies

While any food can theoretically cause an allergic reaction, not all foods do. More often than not, an individual is allergic to one or more of eight common foods. These foods, known as the “Big-8,” are responsible for 90 percent of food allergies in the United States. Sesame is a newer player on the list of top food allergens, according to Dr. Pooja Varshney, a pediatric allergist and clinical assistant professor at Dell Medical School.

In a recent study, one out of four adults reported having their first food allergy during adulthood. Whether the reaction was severe or mild, the fact that adults are also susceptible to developing allergies is a growing health problem. According to the National Institutes of Health, one out of four people will experience a food allergy in their lifetime, and many people develop allergies later in life. This means that the chances of developing an allergy later in life are much higher than previously thought.

For instance, shellfish allergies affect over seven million people in the United States. Other common food allergies include milk, peanut, tree nut, fin fish, and egg. These food allergies are common and can be treated. For many people, the most effective treatment is avoiding any form of shellfish, but it is possible to reintroduce cooked eggs to the diet once symptoms subside. These are just some of the most common food allergies.

As previously mentioned, the most common food allergy is lactose intolerance. In case you have lactose intolerance, you may experience diarrhea and discomfort. Egg allergy is the second most common food allergy in the US. Most children outgrow this allergy, but you should avoid chicken eggs and other eggs if you are allergic to them. If you have any questions or concerns, you should consult your doctor. If your symptoms are severe, medical alert jewelry can provide assistance.

Tree nuts are a subset of peanuts. They include almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, cashews, and pistachios. Although these foods are not completely safe for people with tree nut allergies, most children will outgrow them by age 12.

Food allergies are one of the most common diseases in the United States and affect around 4% of children and adults. Symptoms can range from itchy mouth to hives, and sometimes even heart problems. Shellfish are among the most common food allergens, and their proteins bind with the immune system’s IgE antibodies and cause an allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis can be fatal and requires immediate medical attention. To treat it, epinephrine is prescribed.

Although the most common food allergies in children are cow’s milk, allergies can also be triggered by other milk sources. Soy milk is generally less common, but can cause a reaction. Egg allergy is another common food allergy among infants, accounting for about 2% of young children. The most common symptoms are stomach aches, respiratory problems, hives, and rashes, but in some cases, anaphylaxis can result.