Swelling or edema is one of the most common symptoms of allergies. Edema as a reaction to food allergies have been noted in many medical journals. Edema as a reaction to food allergies is one of the important facts those with food allergies should be aware of. Swelling or edema can happen all over the body. The most common are facial edema, eyelid edema, leg swelling and swollen feet and ankles.
The severity of the edema varies for each individual depending on how much allergens they were exposed to and their body’s reaction to the allergen. In order to understand edema as a reaction to food allergies better, individuals should understand the pathophysiology of allergy. Allergic reactions happen in two phases.
Edema happens at the first phase which occurs immediately after an individual is exposed to an allergen. When an individual is exposed to an allergen, a hypersensitivity reaction against the allergen happens wherein an antibody called IgE is produced. The IgE is circulated in the blood and it binds to an IgE-specific receptor which can be found on the surface of mast cells and basophils. Mast cells and basophils are involved in the acute inflammatory response.
At this point, the IgE is sensitized to the allergen. When an individual is again exposed to the same allergen, the allergen binds to the IgE on the surface of basophils or mast cells which activates the mast cells or basophils. The activated basophils and mast cells then undergo a process called degranulation wherein they release anti-inflammatory chemical mediators and histamines. The degranulation process can cause several systemic effects, one of which is vasodilation which causes edema or swelling.
Edema as a reaction to food allergies is very dangerous especially when the swelling occurs in the respiratory tracts because it can lead to nasal obstruction or sinus obstruction, asthma and it can also obstruct the olfactory recesses. Difficulty in breathing is one of the dangerous effects of swelling in the respiratory tract and this can lead to death when left untreated. Hence, it is important for parents with children who have food allergies to make their children aware of the signs and symptoms of an allergy attack.
Parents whose children have food allergies – or who have allergies themselves – should take the time to read current health articles about food allergies to help them understand and prevent allergy attacks from happening. Allergy attacks, no matter how mild they are, can still cause injury and inconvenience to many people; hence, it is necessary to be knowledgeable about food allergy and its signs and symptoms.
The importance of not ignoring edema as a reaction to food allergies because of its potentially fatal effects should also be reiterated. Precautionary measures should be taken to make sure that those with food allergies especially children do not ingest any food which contains allergens. Even if an individual does not have severe allergic reaction to food allergies, it is still best to prevent allergy attacks. Furthermore, mild swelling or edema might not be deadly but it can be unsightly.
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I have had allergies all my life. Now that I am a senior I have noticed that I have been able to relate swelling in my foot and ankles to the food that I eat. I try to be very selective, but when eating out many restaurants use pocessed foods and soak vegetable in solutions to keep them from turning brown.
Is there a way to flush my system of unwanted “stuff”? Right now I am using raw applie cider vinegar in my drinking water. The swelling still comes and goes.
I am not diabetic nor do I have high blood pressure.