Food allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to exposure to a specific type of food or substance in the food, and sends out chemicals to defend the body against it. While reactions can range from mild to severe, understanding the most common types of allergies and what causes them can help you seek specialized care when necessary.  

3 Common Food Allergies

1. Nuts

Nut allergies are quite common, and typically last for a person’s whole life. This allergy can be from any tree nut, although the most reported are peanuts, walnuts, pecans, and cashews. Nuts are the food allergens most often linked to anaphylaxis: A serious and rapid reaction that can be fatal without immediate specialized care.  

2. Shellfish

Another common food allergy is shellfish, such as shrimp, lobster, crab, and mussels. In some cases, people may even react to just the vapors that are released while cooking, and thus cannot be in the same room. Symptoms may include hives, swelling of the tongue or face, and vomiting. If a person experiences breathing difficulties, they must be taken to a doctor for specialized care. Once this allergy is diagnosed, an EpiPen™ is prescribed so that medication can be administered until the patient gets to a hospital.

3. Wheat

Wheat allergies affect people of all ages; however, they are most common among babies. The main trigger is a protein called gliadin, which is found in gluten and gluten products, such as cereal, bread, and pasta. To avoid this protein, patients with this allergy are recommended to go on a gluten-free diet.

Serving the area of Stayton, OR, since 1953, the allergy doctors at Santiam Hospital are dedicated to diagnosing food allergies in patients so they can lead a normal and healthy life. In addition to allergy testing, the premier hospital also provides a variety of additional departments and specialized care, from primary care to women’s health and diagnostic imaging. Give them a call today at (503) 769-2175 to schedule an appointment. You can also visit their website for more information about their staff and services.