Continuing to eat food you're allergic to can trigger a range of reactions, from mild discomfort to severe and potentially life-threatening symptoms.
Immediate Reactions
The immediate reactions you might experience are due to your body's immune system reacting to the food allergen:
- Mouth Itching: You may initially feel itching in your mouth. This is often the first sign that your body is reacting to the allergen.
- Digestive Issues: You could experience symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or belly pain as your body tries to get rid of the allergen.
- Drop in Blood Pressure: As allergens enter your bloodstream, they can cause a drop in blood pressure. This is a serious issue and can lead to dizziness or even loss of consciousness.
- Skin Reactions: Allergic reactions often show up on the skin. You might develop hives or eczema as the allergens affect the skin cells.
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Itching in the mouth | Initial mild reaction, often the first sign |
| Vomiting, Diarrhea | Digestive system trying to expel the allergen, can be severe. |
| Belly Pain | A common side effect of digestive reactions to allergens. |
| Drop in Blood Pressure | A serious symptom requiring immediate medical attention. |
| Hives or Eczema | Skin reactions, which show the allergen is affecting skin cells. |
Long-Term Effects
Repeatedly eating allergenic food, even if reactions seem mild at first, can lead to:
- Increased Severity of Reactions: Over time, your reactions can become more severe, which could put you at risk of anaphylaxis.
- Compromised Health: Ongoing inflammation from repeated allergic reactions can have long-term health consequences.
- Development of New Allergies: Exposure to one allergen can sometimes make you more sensitive to other substances, potentially causing the development of new allergies.
- Poor Quality of Life: Chronic symptoms, like digestive issues and skin problems, can significantly reduce the quality of your daily life.
Anaphylaxis: A Severe Reaction
- Life-Threatening: Anaphylaxis is a very severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. It can start suddenly and can progress quickly.
- Symptoms: Symptoms include difficulty breathing, wheezing, throat swelling, dizziness, confusion, rapid heartbeat, and loss of consciousness.
- Immediate Medical Attention: If you experience symptoms of anaphylaxis, you should seek immediate medical attention, such as calling emergency services.
- Epinephrine (EpiPen): If prescribed, use an epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) immediately as it can reverse severe symptoms.
Important Note
It's vital to be diagnosed by a medical professional if you suspect a food allergy. Once diagnosed, avoid all exposure to the allergen to protect yourself.
