FOOD ALLERGY Meaning and
Definition
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Food allergy is a physiological response triggered by the immune system that occurs when the body mistakenly identifies certain proteins in food as harmful invaders, leading to an abnormal and excessive immune reaction. It is a condition in which the immune system overreacts to specific components present in particular foods, considering them as threats to the body's well-being. This exaggerated immune response results in a wide range of symptoms, varying from mild to severe, such as skin rashes, hives, itching, swelling, gastrointestinal distress, difficulty breathing, and in some cases, life-threatening anaphylaxis.
When an individual with a food allergy consumes the offending food, the immune system produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE) which triggers the release of various chemicals, including histamine, into the bloodstream. These chemicals are responsible for causing the characteristic allergic symptoms. Common food allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, eggs, milk, soy, wheat, and certain fruits.
It is necessary for individuals with food allergies to carefully avoid consuming the specific allergenic foods or any products containing those ingredients. Strict avoidance and emergency preparedness are essential to prevent severe allergic reactions. Food allergies can be diagnosed through medical examinations, including skin prick tests, blood tests measuring IgE levels, and oral food challenges.
It is important to distinguish food allergies from food intolerances or sensitivities, as they involve different mechanisms in the body. While food allergies involve an immune response, food intolerances do not, typically presenting with digestive symptoms such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea.
Common Misspellings for FOOD ALLERGY
- dood allergy
- cood allergy
- vood allergy
- good allergy
- tood allergy
- rood allergy
- fiod allergy
- fkod allergy
- flod allergy
- fpod allergy
- f0od allergy
- f9od allergy
- foid allergy
- fokd allergy
- fold allergy
- fopd allergy
- fo0d allergy
- fo9d allergy
- foos allergy
Etymology of FOOD ALLERGY
The word "food" dates back to Old English and Middle English, derived from the Proto-Germanic word "fothuz". It is closely related to the Old Norse word "mathr", the Dutch word "voedel", and the German word "Futter". Ultimately, it can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "pa-", which means to protect or feed.
The word "allergy" was coined in 1906 by the Austrian pediatrician Clemens von Pirquet. It is derived from the Greek word "allos", which means different or other, and "ergon", which means work or action. Pirquet used the term to describe certain immune reactions that were abnormal or different from typical reactions. Over time, the term "allergy" began to be associated with adverse immune responses to various substances, including food.
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