Have you ever wondered what a food allergist is thinking when he or she is asking you so so so many specific questions? And why he or she keeps interrupting you to get very minute details about your kiddo's story? It's because the food allergist is trying to determine what type of adverse reaction occurred!
How many types of food allergies and other adverse reactions to foods exist?
Many many many!
Kiddos – and adults – can have one (or more!) of many types of reactions to foods. These reactions can be immune-mediated or have nothing really to do with the immune system.
Non-Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions to Foods
Non-immune-mediated reactions are just that: your body responding to a food, but the immune system is not the main player. An example includes the jitteriness that can occur with drinking caffeine. Another example is the food poisoning that occurs after eating contaminated fish.
Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions to Foods
Adverse reactions to foods that do involve the immune system include both IgE- and non-IgE-mediated food allergies. Also, Celiac Disease is an immune-mediated reaction to a food. Immune reactions are either IgE-mediated or they don't rely on IgE for the reaction. IgE-mediated food allergies can result in anaphylaxis. Non-IgE-mediated food allergies do not cause anaphylaxis but can still result in significant symptoms.
Don't miss Dr. Hoyt describing the many types of adverse reactions to foods in this episode of the podcast!
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ACAAI Allergist Finder: https://acaai.org/locate-an-allergist
OIT Allergist Finder: https://acaai.org/locate-an-allergist
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A note from Dr. Hoyt
I have talked about a non-profit…
Pam and I volunteer with the non-profit The Teal Schoolhouse. Its primary program is Code Ana. Code Ana equips schools for medical emergencies like anaphylaxis.
Code Ana’s Online Epinephrine Training Program helps support that goal. Through this program, you will educate yourself while you support this important mission!
A medical emergency response plan is important for everyone at any school. Code Ana's program Med-E Ready is a comprehensive approach to school-focused medical preparedness. This program guides schools through the process of creating a medical emergency response plan. A response team is also developed! This is one of the most important components of a school's food allergy policy!
Does your kiddo’s school have Code Ana?
You've just read our post “Inside the Mind of a Food Allergist: Types of Food Allergies.” Remember, Dr. Hoyt is an allergist, but she isn't your allergist, so talk with your allergist about what you've just learned!
