How do I know if i have a food allergy?

Do you eat a particular food group and then feel rubbish

Have you got anemia and your doctors can’t seem to find a reason why

Is your toilet slowly becoming your best mate

If so you could be suffering with a food allergy.

The stats

There is estimate 2 million people in the UK registered with a food allergy, 32 million in the USA and 17 million Europeans.

Thats a lot of us!

There are many different types of allergic reactions people can suffer from ranging from a mild rash or a tummy upset upto anaphylaxis which can be fatal. And unfortunately people tend not know they have food allergies until they have their first reaction.

Don’t get me wrong whether you have an intolerance or allergy to a particular food the symptoms can be life changing. However, there is a difference between an intolerance and allergy and this can be fatal if not manager correctly.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction.

Signs of anaphylaxis:

Swelling of lips and/or tongue
Shortness of breath and/or breathing troubles
Wheezing
lightheadedness and/or dizziness
Clammy skin
Rapid heartbeat
confusion and/or anxiety
fainting or falling unconscious
skin reactions- itching, hives and/or rashes

Anaphylaxis can come on quickly and if felt an anaphylaxis attack is happening please contact emergency services immediately on – 999 (UK), 112 (UK & Europe) or 911 (USA & UK).

As well as peoples allergic reactions to particular foods being different, the severity of those reactions can be different as well. One person’s upset tummy to a gluten reaction may be minor and not affecting their lifestyle another person’s maybe that bad that it’s stopping them from doing what they need to do. Our bodies changed and the way react to allergies may change also, so be aware of any changing symptoms and always consult your GP for support.

If you have any concerns or worries about possibly having a food allergy please contact your registered GP as soon as you can.