FOOD ALLERGIES Meaning and
Definition
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Food allergies are immune responses triggered by certain proteins present in food. They occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies harmless proteins in food as harmful, resulting in an abnormal reaction. When an individual with a food allergy consumes the allergenic food, their immune system overreacts, causing a range of physical symptoms. Common food allergies include peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, eggs, milk, soy, and wheat.
Symptoms of food allergies can vary widely and may include skin reactions like hives, itching, or swelling; gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; respiratory symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing; and potentially life-threatening symptoms known as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing, and severe swelling, which may require immediate medical intervention.
Food allergies can significantly impact an individual's quality of life, imposing dietary restrictions and the need for constant vigilance when it comes to food choices. It is crucial for individuals with food allergies to carefully read food labels and ask about food preparations to avoid accidental ingestion of allergenic proteins. Diagnosing food allergies typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, allergen-specific blood tests (like a food-specific IgE test), and occasionally oral food challenges.
Managing food allergies involves strict avoidance of problem foods, carrying emergency medications (such as epinephrine autoinjectors) to counteract severe reactions, and educating oneself and others about the condition to prevent accidental exposures.
Common Misspellings for FOOD ALLERGIES
- dood allergies
- cood allergies
- vood allergies
- good allergies
- tood allergies
- rood allergies
- fiod allergies
- fkod allergies
- flod allergies
- fpod allergies
- f0od allergies
- f9od allergies
- foid allergies
- fokd allergies
- fold allergies
- fopd allergies
- fo0d allergies
- fo9d allergies
- foos allergies
- foox allergies
Etymology of FOOD ALLERGIES
The etymology of the word "food allergies" can be traced to two separate origins.
1. "Food": The word "food" can be traced back to the Old English word "fōda", which meant "nourishment", "nutrition", or "something eaten". It is also related to the Old High German word "fuotar" and the Gothic word "fōdeins", both meaning "food". The root of this word can be traced further back to the Proto-Germanic word "fōdein", which meant "that which is taken in".
2. "Allergies": The word "allergy" is a relatively modern term that was coined in 1906 by the Austrian pediatrician Clemens von Pirquet. It originates from the Greek words "allos", meaning "other" or "different", and "ergon", meaning "work" or "reaction".
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