Milk Allergies

Milk allergies are very common and can be difficult to detect.  Sometimes milk allergies and lactose intolerance are confused with each other.  If you have a milk allergy your immune system is compromised.  This is not the case with lactose intolerance.  If you suspect you have a milk allergy then it is important to get tested.  Testing can confirm a milk allergy.

Milk allergies can have some symptoms similar to lactose intolerance.
These symptoms include:

• bloating
• gas
• diarrhea

Milk allergies have other symptoms:

• Hives
• Wheezing
• Vomiting
• Loose stools, which may contain blood
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal cramps
• Coughing or wheezing
• Runny nose
• Watery eyes
• Itchy skin rash, often around the mouth
• Colic, in babies

Milk is something that everyone drinks and is difficult to find a substitute for.  I am a big milk drinker.  I am glad it is not one of my food allergies.

How Anaphylaxis Happens.

How Anaphylaxis Happens

Better than the pictures I posted earlier this video shows you exactly how an anaphylactic reaction happens and what to do about it.  It shows how dangerous a reaction can be and also how important it is to make sure you have an epi-pen with you if you have allergies.   

If you have asthma or allergies carry your epi-pen, get yourself tested by a professional and know the signs of an allergic reaction.

Allergic to Fruits and Vegetables?

Who would think that delicious fruit or vegetables could cause anyone any trouble?

I listed numerous food allergies but found out about a new one -- one I do not have.  Allergies to some fruits and vegetables.  I was sitting with my cousin and found out she was allergic to pineapple and experienced something similar to anaphylaxis when she ate it.  I was surprised.  I had heard of oral allergies before from other members of my family.  The allergy was just a tickle in the throat once a raw piece of fruit or vegetable was eaten.  The less ripe the fruit or vegetable the stronger the reaction. I did some research and found a good article explaining the effect fruits and vegetables can have on someone who has an allergy.  Below is the link to the article.

    http://health.usnews.com/health-news/articles/2007/12/11/a-pesky-allergy-to-fruit-and-vegetables. 

Examples of Allergic Reactions

Anaphylaxis can look as bad as it feels.  Recognizing it is important because you have about five minutes before you can die.  I have talked about carrying an epi-pen because reaction time needs to be so short.

This image helps to explain anaphylaxis.



The following images from Google Image can be disturbing but show you how severe reactions manifest themselves.



And not to be gross but here it is



Anaphylaxis is often accompanied by swollen lips and eyes as well as hives.  Most important however is that your throat is closing.

Am I having an Allergic Reaction?

In a recent post I listed the signs of an allergic reaction.  Each food I eat gives me a different reaction so I am never sure if I am having an allergic reaction or something else is going on.

I spend a lot time talking about anaphylaxis in this blog.  I get an anaphylactic reaction from eating nuts.  Its pretty clear when then happens and I know what to do.  I get other reactions from other foods.  If I eat eggs I get diarrhea but if I touch an egg my hands and face swell.  If I touch shellfish I get hives up and down my arms.  I have never tried to eat shellfish since touching it causes me so many problems.  Sesame and mustard make my stomach hurt.  It's very difficult to identify those two items in food so it can happen at any time.

I also have asthma but I have no idea if it's from food.  It's difficult to determine if you are allergic, got food poisoning or you have a stomach flu.  If you are allergic to food make sure that you carefully avoid whatever made you sick and don't eat again until you are either supervised by a physician or are sure you are not allergic.  You could be putting your life in jeopardy!

Symptoms and Signs of an Allergic Reaction

It is not always clear when you have an allergic reaction.  Different allergies can cause different reactions.  The most dangerous allergic reaction is anaphylaxis.  My experience with anaphylaxis involves eating nuts.  For me anaphylaxis means my throat feels like it is closing and I can't breathe.  If it goes on for too long you can go into shock. 

Other reactions that aren't quite as dangerous but can be very uncomfortable are

• Skin Irritation
• Redness
• Swelling
• Blistering
• Weeping
• Crusting,
• Rash
• Hives
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Tightness
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Eye irritation
• Bloodshot eyes
• Itching
• Swelling
• Watering
• Stomach issues
• Pain
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Nasal Issues
• Stuffy nose
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Head Issues
• Swelling of the face, neck, eyelids, lips, tongue or throat 
• Hoarseness of the voice
• Headache

Sometimes it's hard to tell whether your reaction is a food allergy, a pollen allergy or an allergic reaction to a cat or a dog.  It is important to be diligent and notice when the reactions occur.  I have found with food allergies the more often they happen the more severe they are.

Allergies What Happens? What Kinds?

Allergies can start at any time.  I am from a family of allergic people.  In particular, food allergies have played a major role in my life.  At three, I happily ate peanuts, eggs and many other foods.  At four, I went into anaphylactic shock from eating a nut.  Since then I have found out through experience I am allergic to eggs, mustard, shellfish, sesame and nuts.  Each allergy has a unique reaction.  For example, nuts cause anaphylaxis which is a swelling of the throat that causes one not to be able to breathe. 

Having lived with food allergies most of my life the goal of this blog is to educate people who are struggling with allergies by providing recipes, information about restaurants and ways to make life easier.  It is also a goal of this blog to educate people who don’t understand how devastating an allergic reaction can be.  If you come from a place where you have never seen a severe allergic reaction you may not believe it is possible.  But it is.  If someone tells you they have an allergy to any food. PAY ATTENTION.  It could be a matter of life and death.