Signs of Allergies
Food allergies are the most likely allergies to cause nausea and/or vomiting. A reaction occurs when yourThe immune system is a collection of cells and proteins that works to protect the body from potentially harmful, infectious microorganisms (microscopic life-forms), such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. The immune system plays a role in the control of cancer and other diseases, but also is the culprit in the phenomena of allergies, hypersensitivity and the rejection of transplanted organs, tissues and medical implants." rel="tooltip">immune systemoverreacts to a food or a substance in a food, incorrectly identifying it as a danger and triggering a protective response.
您通常不会将季节性过敏with nausea — for good reason. Nausea and vomiting are rarely, if ever, symptoms of a seasonalAllergies are inappropriate or exaggerated reactions of the immune system to substances that, in the majority of people, cause no symptoms. Symptoms of the allergic diseases may be caused by exposure of the skin to a chemical, of the respiratory system to particles of dust or pollen (or other substances), or of the stomach and intestines to a particular food." rel="tooltip">allergy. Typical seasonal allergy symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes and maybe a rash.
If you encounter something you’re allergic to, your immune system considers the substance dangerous and releases a chemical calledHistamine is a chemical present in cells throughout the body that is released during an allergic reaction. Histamine is one of the substances responsible for the symptoms of inflammation and is the major reason for a nose running, sneezing, and itching in allergic rhinitis. It also stimulates acid production by the stomach and narrows the bronchi or airways in the lungs." rel="tooltip">histamineto counteract it. Histamine can cause a variety of symptoms, including rash, headache, sneezing, runny nose and swelling — and in the case of food allergies, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If the allergen is something you breathe in, your reaction will probably affect your eyes, nose and lungs. If you eat the allergen, you’re more likely to have symptoms in your mouth, stomach and intestines.
Other food allergy symptoms include:
- Hives
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Repetitive cough
- Shock or collapse of the circulatory system
- Tight, hoarse throat; trouble swallowing
- Swelling of the tongue, affecting the ability to talk or breathe
- Weak pulse
- Pale or blue skin
- Dizziness or feeling faint
The most severe reaction, known asanaphylaxis, can be life-threatening and requires immediate treatment with anEpinephrine is a naturally occurring hormone, also called adrenaline. It is one of two chemicals (the other is norepinephrine) released by the adrenal gland. Epinephrine increases the speed and force of heart beats and thereby the work that can be done by the heart. It dilates the airways to improve breathing and narrows blood vessels in the skin and intestine so that an increased flow of blood reaches the muscles and allows them to cope with the demands of exercise. Epinephrine has been produced synthetically as a drug since 1900. It remains the drug of choice for treatment of anaphylaxis." rel="tooltip">epinephrineauto injector followed by emergency treatment.
Find expert care with an Allergist.
Don’t let allergies orAsthma is a chronic, inflammatory lung disease characterized by recurrent breathing problems. People with asthma have acute episodes where the air passages in their lungs get narrower, and breathing becomes more difficult. Sometimes episodes of asthma are triggered by allergens, although infection, exercise, cold air and other factors are also important triggers." rel="tooltip">asthmahold you back.
Triggers
If you have food allergies that can lead to symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, it’s important to know which foods trigger your symptoms.
The eight most common food allergens are:
How to Get Tested
If you think you might have a food allergy that could lead to nausea and vomiting, you should be tested by an allergist. Getting tested by a board-certified allergist is the first step to helping you deal with your allergy and avoid your triggers. An allergist will take a detailed medical history and review your symptoms to determine whether your symptoms are triggered by an allergy to food, medications, insect stings or something else.
Allergy testsare both convenient and accurate. When combined with a detailed medical history, allergy testing can identify the specific things that trigger your allergic reactions. Testing also helps your allergist determine whether you have a food intolerance or a food allergy, which both can cause stomach upset.
Many people may think they have a food allergy when what they really are experiencing is food intolerance. Food intolerance can often mimic a food allergy, causing nausea and vomiting, but is not life-threatening. The best way to determine whether you are experiencing a food allergy is to see an allergist for testing. An allergist will help you develop an action plan to deal with whatever allergies or intolerances you may have.
It Could Also Be…
There are many things that can cause nausea and vomiting. If your allergist rules out severe allergies, ask what else might be causing your nausea, such as:
- Concussion or brain injury
- Early stages of pregnancy
- Eating disorder
- Emotional stress
- Food poisoning
- Heart attack
- Infections such as stomach flu
- Intense pain
- Motion sickness
- Reaction to a medication
- Reaction to certain smells or odors
- Ulcers
