The Differences Between Food Intolerances and Food Allergies in Louisville, KY

by | Feb 28, 2014 | Health

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If you have difficulties eating certain foods you may have Food Allergies in Louisville, KY. Many people confuse a food allergy and food intolerance, because some of the symptoms are similar. The primary difference between the two is that a food allergy can have an affect of various organs in your body, whereas an intolerance to foods typically is confined to problems in the digestive system. In order to recognize the difference between the two problems and to determine which foods you may be allergic to, it is important to visit a Food Allergies Doctor, such as the Accredited Asthma, Allergy and Food Intolerance Center Louisville, KY.

There are a number of differences between Food Allergies in Louisville, Ky and intolerance’s. One of the most common types of food intolerance’s is an intolerance to lactose. An intolerance to certain foods can make it difficult to completely digest the food item, increase the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and cause other digestive conditions. One of the first things you should do if you suspect a food intolerance is to write down the specific symptoms you are experiencing and what foods you have consumed when the symptoms appear. This information will be beneficial for Food Allergies Doctor C. Steven Smith in Louisville to help you identify the problem foods and recommend the best treatment.

A food allergy can be serious and life-threatening if it is not recognized immediately. When you have a food allergy, your immune system mistakes the specific food as a harm, which triggers an allergic response. The symptoms of a food allergy can range from mild and uncomfortable to severe. In some situations the allergy may trigger a rash or hive to develop on the skin, you may experience gastrointestinal problems or you may suffer with serious symptoms, including breathing difficulties, an effect on the blood circulation or a cardiopulmonary problem.

If you suspect a food allergy, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. If you notice symptoms of food allergies in children, it is extremely important to call 911 to have the child examined immediately. When you are introducing children to solid foods, it is important to introduce them to only one new food at a time in order to make sure they do not have an allergy to the food.