Do You Have Food Allergies or Sensitivities? How to Tell

Eating is a fun and enjoyable activity for many, but for some people, certain foods may trigger unfavorable and in some cases, life-threatening symptoms.

‍

Approximately 220 million people worldwide have food allergies. Food sensitivities are also common, affecting up to 20% of the population. Food allergies and sensitivities can look similar and can even share symptoms so it’s not a surprise that many mistake one for the other.

Food sensitivities can have a significant impact on your ENT health, often leading to symptoms like nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and inflammation in the airways. 

‍

At Columbia Breathe Free, we recognize that these sensitivities may trigger or worsen chronic sinusitis and other ENT-related issues. Identifying and managing food sensitivities can help reduce inflammation and improve overall sinus and respiratory function.

Do You Have Food Allergies or Sensitivities? How You Can Tell

Here is a quick overview of the key differences between food allergies and sensitivities:

Food Allergies

• It is an immune system reaction
• Occurs as an immune system overreaction to certain foods it mistakenly identifies as a threat
• Symptoms can be fatal
• Symptoms can occur within minutes after consuming the trigger food
• Common symptoms include skin rash, breathing and swallowing difficulties, and inflammation
• Even a small amount of food allergens can trigger symptoms

‍Food Sensitivities

• It is a digestive system reaction
• Occurs when the digestive system is unable to process, break down, and digest certain foods
• Symptoms are unfavorable but not life-threatening
• Symptoms can occur within hours after consuming the trigger food
• Common symptoms include stomach pain, diarrhea, and gas
• A small amount of food allergens may not trigger symptoms

‍

Food allergies are the immune system’s response to food it mistakenly identifies as a threat. The immune system tries to fight off the ‘threat’ and releases a chemical called histamine. The release of histamine triggers several symptoms including:

• Inflammation and swelling of the lips, throat, or tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Skin rash or hives

Eight types of food make up about 90% of all food allergies:

• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Shellfish
• Soy
• Eggs
• Milk
• Fish
• Wheat
  

Even a small amount of the person’s food allergens will trigger an allergic reaction. Severe cases of allergies can be fatal. A severe allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis. This can be fatal if not treated with emergency medication (like epinephrine).

‍

Symptoms of food allergies can occur even when one consumes a small amount of their allergens. Symptoms will typically show up quickly – about 30 minutes to two hours after consumption.

Can food allergies be diagnosed?

Your care provider can diagnose a food allergy by conducting an allergy test. The test is typically done via a simple skin prick test or a blood test. Additionally, your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, their severity, and how long you have experienced them. They will also look at your medical history and family history with allergies. Individuals with a family history of food allergies have a higher chance of developing them as well.

What are Food Sensitivities?

Food sensitivity, also known as food intolerance, is a digestive system reaction to particular foods your body is unable to process, break down, and digest. This is a common condition as some people have a more sensitive gut and can’t tolerate certain food items.

‍

When an individual is sensitive to a particular food, it means that they lack an enzyme that should help their digestive system to break down and digest particular foods and ingredients. This lack of enzymes in their system leads to unfavorable symptoms like:

• Upset stomach
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Nausea
• Bloating

Symptoms of food intolerance, while uncomfortable, are generally less severe than those caused by food allergies. In some cases, individuals with food intolerances may be able to consume small amounts of trigger foods without experiencing significant symptoms. For example, lactose intolerance can be managed by using lactose-free products or enzyme supplements to aid digestion, which can help avoid gastrointestinal discomfort. In the context of ENT health, consuming trigger foods may lead to delayed symptoms like nasal congestion or sinus pressure, often occurring a few hours after ingestion as the body processes the food.

Can food intolerance be diagnosed?

Unlike food allergies, there isn’t a test to diagnose food intolerance. However, lactose intolerance can be tested via a hydrogen breath test to determine an individual’s sensitivity level to lactose. Other food intolerances don’t have the same testing method.

‍

What you can do is keep a detailed diary of your meals and the symptoms you experience. This process of elimination can give you an idea if there are particular foods your gut may be sensitive to.

Stop Ignoring Signs of Food Allergies or Intolerance

Food allergies or intolerance can lead to unfavorable and serious symptoms, especially if you aren’t sure what exactly you’re dealing with. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is important to schedule an appointment with your care provider. This way, you can get professional advice on how you can manage your condition and prevent the symptoms.

‍

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

‍