Three Unusual Food Allergy Symptoms And What To Do If You Experience Them

Health & Medical Blog

If you have multiple food allergies, you're probably under the direct care of an allergist who monitors your symptoms and regularly tests you for new allergies. The information you share with your allergist is important for you to receive the proper treatment, but what if you didn't know you were having allergic reactions to certain foods? Below are three uncommon symptoms of an allergic reaction and what to do if they're experienced.

Blisters

If you suffer from allergies, you know that hives are the universal skin symptom of an allergic reaction. Did you know that blisters can also be a symptom experienced by certain individuals?

A blister is formed as a line of defense — the upper layer of the skin perceives a threat, and a fluid filled sac, known as a blister, forms to protect the lower layers of skin from further damage. If an allergen comes into contact with your skin, either external or internal, it can cause cracking or other damage that leads to the formation of blisters. This can be particularly dangerous if the food was consumed and blisters begin to form in the throat, blocking the airway. If you notice the formation of blisters after eating a particular food, it's best to avoid it until your allergist is able to test you further for allergies.

Metallic Taste in Mouth

While not always a sign of a life-threatening reaction, a metallic taste in the mouth following consumption of a possible allergen can be the beginning stages of anaphylaxis, the most life-threatening reaction your body can experience.

If you're experiencing this symptom, it's important to be alert of other symptoms your body might be exhibiting. Other troubling symptoms include hives, nausea or vomiting, and trouble breathing. A reaction exhibiting this symptom, especially in combination with some or all of the other symptoms listed above, should be treated as if it were life-threatening. Use of an epi-pen, if available, and a visit to the emergency room are both warranted in such cases.

Intestinal Distress

As mentioned above, nausea and vomiting can both be signs of an allergic reaction. Other symptoms within the same body system include indigestion, diarrhea, and general stomach pains.

Allergic reactions can affect one, some, or all bodily systems and can morph over time. If you've eaten a suspected allergen and are experiencing any of the intestinal symptoms listed above, it's important that you receive medical attention immediately. These symptoms can go away on their own, or they can worsen over time and become life-threatening within a matter of minutes.

Food allergies are no laughing matter. Whether you have a history of food allergies, or this is all new to you, the above listed symptoms can be unusual signs that you're experiencing an allergic reaction. While not all reactions warrant a trip to the emergency room, those with a known history should seek medical attention as their allergies may be worsening and could become life-threatening. Discuss any troubling symptoms with your allergist so they can test you and better equip you to deal with them in the future. Contact a company like Oak Brook Allergists for more information.

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