What is an allergen?
An allergen is a substance that can cause an allergic reaction in human beings. When an allergy enters the human body, for some people, the body recognises the allergen as an invader or a foreign, dangerous substance. In that manner, the body provides defence by releasing an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE) to defend the body against the allergen. It is this action that leads to an allergic reaction in one’s body.
The Common Allergens
The common allergens we have include
- Fungi Spores.
- Pollen
- Dust
- Animal protein
- Insect bite
- Natural latex rubber
- Food such as animal meat, Wheat, Soya, Fish,Milk,Peanut , and Eggs.
What is an allergen found in food?.
There are major food allergens that can cause allergic reactions. The Food Allergen Labelling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA) of the USA identifies eight foods as major allergens, and they include milk, egg, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans.The food allergen can cause mild symptoms in people, but some can be severe and life-threatening. There’s no cure for food allergies, even though there has been an improvement in how to manage them. If someone is allergic to food that they have eaten, symptoms may appear immediately or within a few minutes or even hours of eating the food.
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Symptoms of food allergies.
There are allergic reactions that can result from food allergens. Those Allergic reactions include Rash, flushed skin, Hives, face swelling, swelling of the throat, tongue swelling, lip swelling, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness; food allergies can be life-threatening. Some of the food allergic symptoms may proceed to constricted airways, lowering of blood pressure, shock, and even suffocation by this swelling of the throat and larynx.
What should be done if the symptoms of food allergy continue?
When you notice that the symptoms of food allergy continue, you should immediately contact a healthcare provider for further testing, treatment and evaluation.
What to do when you notice a food allergy.Stop eating the food Immediately. Seek for an emergency treatment on your own. Check if there is a need for treatment with the use of epinephrine.Seek medical attention at a hospital.
How to prevent food allergies.
Ensure that you read food labels before eating.If you notice anyone or two foods that you are allergic to, please avoid them.Always recognise the early symptoms of an allergic reaction.And show you know what to do whenever there is an allergic reaction
Onyeka Emma is a QHSE Professional with more than 10 years of experience in occupational health and safety, which spans many industries such as construction, beverage, oil and gas, etc. He has many health and safety certifications, including NEBOSH IGC, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 Lead auditor certificate. A member of IOSH, ISPON, and Nigeria Red Cross Society. He is interested in business, entrepreneurship, Speaking, and motivating people to do better for themselves. He enjoys leisure with a good motivational book.
