Food allergies & intolerence Flashcards
Allergen?
Something that causes an allergy
Anaphylaxis?
A very severe and life-threatening allergic reaction that affects breathing, the heart, the digestive system and the skin
Food allergy?
A condition where the body’s immune system reacts to certain foods, which causes a range of symptoms
Food intolerence?
A long-term health condition where certain foods make someone unwell
What are physical signs someone has a food allergy?
Skin becomes red
A raised red itchy rash shows on the skin( called hives)
The skin swells
The nose and the eyes itch
The lips and eyelids swell
What are signs of allergy that happens in the body?
The mouth, tongue and throat swell
The person cannot breathe, speak or swallow properly
Wheezing
Stomach pain
Feeling sick
Blood pressure drops
They may collapse and become unconscious
What to do when someone has an allergic reaction?
Stay calm and call 999 for an ambulance
Make the patient comfortable
If they have an EpiPen, use it
What are the most common food allergies?
Peanuts
Nuts, e.g. almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts
Eggs
Dairy foods
Shellfish
Seeds
Kiwi
Soya
Some preservatives
What are the symptoms of food intolerence?
Muscle and joint aches and pain
Pain and bloating
Eczema and dry skin conditions
Diarrhoea
Nausea
Constant tiredness, weakness
What is lactose?
A natural sugar found in dairy milk *cows, goats, sheep etc)
What is lactose intolerance?
When enzymes cannot digest lactose in the body, so the bacteria in their large intestine break it down instead. This produces a lot of gas which makes someone sick
What are the symptoms of lactose intolerance?
Bloaring (swelling) of the abdomen (belly/tummy), flatulence (wind/gas), abdominal pain, diarrhoea and nausea
Which foods contain lactose?
Milk, chesse, yogurt, cream, butter, crème fraiche, sour cream, cream chesse
And foods that contain them (cakes, biscuits, desserts, sweets, ready meals, sauces, custard, chocolate, ice cream
What is coeliac disease?
When the immune system does not tolerate gluten. This causes the vili in the small intestine to become damaged, so they cannot absorb enough nutrients in the body
What happens when someone has Coeliac disease?
They will not have enough nutrients going into their body
They will not have enough energy and will be tired much of the time
They can lose weight and become ill
