Week 10 - Allergy Flashcards
Food allergy =
an abnormal immunological reaction to food
allergen =
substance foreign to the body that on interaction with the immune system, causes an allergic reaction
antigen =
usually a foreign substance (e.g. protein) that stimulations antibody production.
food intolerance
an abnormal reaction to food caused by non-allergic or unknown mechanisms
food aversion
strong desires to avoid particular foods
adverse food reaction:
any undesired response to food regardless of mechanism
Allergy & Intolerance signs & symptoms
hives (uticaria), swelling around mouth, vomiting, diarrhoea, bronchial irritations, rash, bloating
Severe allergic reactions:
anaphylaxis
- difficulty/noisy breathing
- swelling of the tongue
- swelling/tightness in throat
- difficulty talking/hoarse voice
world allergy org estimates what % have food allergy
8% - children
2% - adults
allergy risk factors
heredity, exposure, GI permeability, environmental factors e.g. microbial exposure
Immune Reaction - food intolerance/allergy
food allergy results in an immune response where food intolerance does not.
Type I Hypersensitivity:
Allergen (antigen) causes production of antibody immunoglobulin E
> Antigen contacts IgE which are bound to mast cells. Mast cells release mediators (e.g. Histamine)
> Irritant receptors are stimulated resulting in reactions which can lead to anaphylactic shock.
Type IV Hypersensitivity:
T-lymphocytes recognise antigens and produce cytotoxic substances that react with the antigen
> reaction occurs dependent on dose (usually). Anaphylactic shock doesn’t occur.
Type I hypersensitivity - associated foods
fish, shellfish, nuts, legumes (peanuts), eggs, milk, berries
Type IV hypersensitivity - associated foods
Milk, wheat, chocolate, cola, corn, citrus fruit, eggs, beef, white potatoes, pork, legumes, chicken, oatmeal, rye, oranges, cottonseed, mustard, tomatoes, cucumbers, garlic
Reactions to fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices are usually intolerances, but in rare cases can be:
allergies
Vitamin D insufficiency is associated with what allergy in infants
challenge-proven food allergy
What may be an important protective factor for food allergy in the first year of life:
vitamin D sufficiency