Introduction :

Food allergy and food intolerance are two different types of adverse reactions to food, but they involve different mechanisms in the body and have different symptoms and levels of severity.

Food Allergy:

A food allergy is an immune system response. When someone with a food allergy consumes an allergenic food, their immune system mistakenly identifies it as a threat and releases chemicals, such as histamine, to protect the body. This immune reaction can cause a range of symptoms, some of which can be severe or even life-threatening.

Common Symptoms:

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment, typically with an epinephrine injection.

Mild to moderate symptoms:

Hives or rash

Itching or tingling in the mouth

Swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat

Wheezing or shortness of breath

Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Severe symptoms (anaphylaxis):

Difficulty breathing

Swelling of the throat and airways

Rapid drop in blood pressure

Loss of consciousness

Common Allergens:

Peanuts

Tree nuts (e.g., almonds, walnuts)

Shellfish

Fish

Eggs

Milk

Wheat

Soy

Food Intolerance:

Food intolerance, on the other hand, does not involve the immune system. It usually occurs because the digestive system is unable to properly break down or absorb certain foods or food components. While food intolerance can cause discomfort and unpleasant symptoms, it is generally less severe than a food allergy and is not life-threatening.

Common Symptoms:

Bloating

Gas

Abdominal

pain or cramps

Diarrhea

Nausea

Headaches

Fatigue

Common Causes:

. Lactose intolerance: Inability to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products, due to a deficiency of the enzyme lactase.

. Gluten intolerance (Non-celiac gluten sensitivity): Adverse reactions to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, without the autoimmune response seen in celiac disease.

. Food additives: Some people may have sensitivities to certain food additives like MSG (monosodium glutamate), sulfites, or artificial sweeteners.

conclusion:

Understanding the difference between food allergy and intolerance is crucial for proper diagnosis and management, as they require different approaches to ensure health and safety.