Many people have an adverse reaction to different foods. This is because the human body has a way of telling you what foods to avoid and what foods are dangerous for you. However, there are two different types of reactions: you can have an allergic reaction or an intolerance. Here is what you need to know about each.

An Allergic Reaction

What Is An Allergic Reaction?

An allergic reaction is a problem with your immune system. When you eat a certain food, your body sees it as dangerous. Thus, it turns the immune system into overdrive to try and fight the food. For example, if someone is allergic to peanuts and they accidently eat one, the body will go into panic mode. It will try and reject or fight the food as quickly as possible.

What Are The Symptoms of An Allergy?

In most cases the reaction to an allergy is immediate. Some of the things you should look for are a rash, trouble breathing, vomiting, a panic attack or impending sense of doom, swollen tongue, or, the most serious, a closed windpipe.

In some cases the allergic reaction will be delayed, such as a stomachache and or diarrhea. This usually means that the allergic is minor. The more serious the allergy, the quicker the reaction.

Do Allergies Heal Themselves?

Although some people have outgrown certain allergies, in most cases the allergies will not get better on their own. Instead, they could get worse over time, or you will need treatment from an experienced allergist to get the help that you need.

A Food Intolerance

What Is A Food Intolerance?

A food intolerance can become serious for some. This is when your digestive system cannot properly digest a certain food. This means that when you eat the food, you become very sick as your body tries to metabolize it.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Food Intolerance?

Unlike allergies, the effects of a food intolerance may not be immediate. Instead of having problems with your breathing, you will notice most of the problems with your digestive track. Stomachaches, gas and bloating, diarrhea, and constipation are all some of the most of the more common symptoms of an intolerance.

Will An Intolerance Correct Itself?

Generally speaking, a food intolerance cannot correct itself. Instead, in most cases, people just learn to manage the problem on their own by avoiding that food.

By understanding the difference between an intolerance and allergy, you can get the help that you need. Contact a company like Pediatric Consultants of Mansfield for more information.

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