6 Questions
What is the primary reason why a food allergy occurs?
The body mistakenly sees a particular food as a threat
What is the main difference between symptoms of a food allergy and a food intolerance?
Severity of symptoms
Which of the following is an example of a common food that can cause an allergic reaction?
Peanuts
What is the primary reason why people with food allergies need to avoid the offending food?
Because even a tiny amount can cause a reaction
What is the main difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance in terms of the body's response?
The immune response versus digestion difficulties
What is the range of tolerance for people with food intolerances?
Some people can tolerate small amounts, while others need to avoid it altogether
Study Notes
Food Allergy
- A food allergy occurs when the body has an immune reaction to a particular food, which is mistakenly seen as a threat.
- Symptoms can be mild (rash, itchiness, vomiting, diarrhea) or severe (trouble breathing, swelling of the throat) and can be life-threatening in severe cases.
- Common foods that cause allergic reactions include soybeans, milk, fish, peanuts, and eggs.
- It is crucial to avoid the offending food as even a tiny amount can cause a reaction.
Food Intolerance
- Food intolerance occurs when the body cannot digest a particular food properly due to a lack of necessary enzymes (enzyme deficiency).
- Symptoms are similar to those of a food allergy (stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting) but are usually not severe and not life-threatening.
- The severity of intolerance varies, and some people may be able to tolerate small amounts of the food, while others need to avoid it altogether.
Key Differences
- A food allergy involves an immune response, whereas a food intolerance involves digestion difficulties.
- Allergies are usually more severe and can be life-threatening, while intolerances are generally not life-threatening.
Food Allergy
- Occurs when the body mistakenly identifies a particular food as a threat, triggering an immune reaction.
- Symptoms can range from mild (rash, itchiness, vomiting, diarrhea) to severe (trouble breathing, swelling of the throat), and can be life-threatening in extreme cases.
- Common allergenic foods include soybeans, milk, fish, peanuts, and eggs.
- Even minute amounts of the offending food can trigger a reaction, making avoidance crucial.
Food Intolerance
- Results from the body's inability to properly digest a particular food due to enzyme deficiency.
- Symptoms, such as stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting, are similar to those of a food allergy but are generally not severe and not life-threatening.
- The severity of intolerance varies, with some individuals able to tolerate small amounts of the food while others must avoid it entirely.
Key Differences
- Food allergy involves an immune response, whereas food intolerance involves digestion difficulties.
- Allergies are often more severe and potentially life-threatening, whereas intolerances are generally not life-threatening.
Learn about the immune reaction to certain foods, symptoms, and common foods that cause allergic reactions. Understand the importance of avoiding the offending food to prevent life-threatening reactions.
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