Typically, people associate food allergies with children. This may be because children are more likely to have food allergies, but often grow out of them. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, people can develop food allergies at any age. This means that older adults can suddenly develop a food allergy to a food they’ve never had a problem with before. Home health care providers who are knowledgeable about food allergies and know what signs to look for will be better equipped to deal with an allergic reaction if one occurs.
Home Health Care Ashland OH – Do You Know the Signs of a Food Allergy?Food Allergy vs. Food Intolerance
Many people confuse food allergies with food intolerance. The main difference is that a food allergy involves the body’s immune system while a food intolerance does not. When a person develops a food allergy, the immune system erroneously determines that a certain food is dangerous. It then tells cells to release immunoglobulin E (IgE), which is a kind of antibody. Your aging relative won’t have a reaction when this first happens. However, the next time they eat the food, the IgE will cause the immune system to release histamines and other kinds of chemicals. These substances result in allergy symptoms.
When a person has a food intolerance, they won’t have the symptoms of a food allergy. A food intolerance is usually a problem with the digestive system. In other words, an intolerance is a case of a food “not agreeing with” the person’s stomach. They might experience bloating, gas, an upset stomach, or other digestive symptoms.
Food Allergy Symptoms
The symptoms of a food allergy can range from merely uncomfortable to severe and life-threatening. They can show up within a couple minutes of eating the food to a few hours.
The foods that are most likely to trigger an allergic reaction in adults are:
- Shellfish.
- Peanuts.
- Nuts that grow on trees.
- Fish.
The symptoms of a food allergy include:
- feeling of itching or tingling in the mouth.
- Skin reactions, like hives or itchiness.
- Swelling, which may occur in the face or throat, but may also happen in other parts of the body.
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing.
- Congestion.
- Pain in the abdomen, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
Home health care providers should seek emergency medical attention for older adults if symptoms of anaphylaxis appear.
The symptoms are:
- Airways becoming constricted or tight.
- Swelling in the throat or feeling like there is a lump in the throat that interferes with breathing.
- Going into shock, including a decrease in blood pressure.
- Fast pulse.
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded.
- Losing consciousness.
Home health care providers who notice signs of food allergies, even mild ones, in their aging relatives should discuss them with the senior’s doctor. Severe food allergies may require the use of an epinephrine auto-injector. If so, Home health care providers should be certain the injector is always on hand and that they know how to use it.
Sources: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20355095
https://www.foodallergy.org/life-with-food-allergies/food-allergy-101/symptoms-of-an-allergic-reaction-to-food
https://www.webmd.com/allergies/food-allergy-intolerances
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-allergy/expert-answers/food-allergy/faq-20058483
If you are considering Home Health Care Services in Ashland OH, call the caring staff at Central Star Home Health at (419) 610-2161. Providing services for families in Mansfield, Lexington, Bellville, Mt. Gilead, Loudonville, Crestline, Galion, Shelby, Ashland, Wooster, and the surrounding areas.
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