Question 1

i've never had food allergies & tested neg for them, but do have eczema & chronic hives. does this mean i'll react to big allergens like nuts & fish?

Accepted Answer

Hives: Since you have 2 of the factors for the Atopic triad, you will need to be careful regarding any foods ingested, especially nuts and seafood. If you tested negative, though that is a good sign. You should continue to maintain close contact with your allergist and also seek their advice.

Question 2

what is an allergen?

Accepted Answer

A foreign protein : An allergen is a foreign protein that the immune system over-reacts to and produces allergic antibody, also called ige, against.

Question 3

what are common food allergens?

Accepted Answer

Eight foods : Milk
 eggs
 peanuts
 tree nuts such as almonds, cashews, walnuts.
 Fish (such as bass, cod, flounder)
 shellfish (such as crab, lobster, shrimp)
 soy
 wheat
the eight foods included in food allergy labeling account for an estimated 90 percent of allergic reactions.

Question 4

what are common plant allergens?

Accepted Answer

Ragweed: Ragweed, mulberry, sage grasses are some of the more common plant allergens.

Question 5

do nachos contain any allergens?

Accepted Answer

Yes: If your nachos contain chips (wheat) or cheese (dairy) these are very common food allergens.  The other common food allergens are egg, peanut, soy, nuts, fish and shellfish.  However, any food can potentially trigger a food allergic reaction.

Question 6

are there allergens in chocolate?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Most allergens are proteins (as opposed to polysaccharides or lipids).  So most foods including chocolate are allergens and can cause allergic reactions.

Question 7

how do allergens affect the body?

Accepted Answer

Depends on what kind: Respiratory allergens attach to eosinophils, mast cells or other cells and cause allergy symptoms; oral allergens get absorbed and bind to mast cells and cause allergy symptoms - just to give you an idea.

Question 8

what are the major food allergens?

Accepted Answer

8 foods/ food groups: The major food allergens are milk, egg, wheat, soy, peanut, tree nuts, fish and shellfish. These are responsible for roughly 95% of food allergies.

Question 9

what are common allergens indoors?

Accepted Answer

See below: Dust mites, molds, and pet dander.

Question 10

can exposing yourself to an allergen help?

Accepted Answer

Depends how: The route of exposure, among other factors (including genetics) determines whether an individual becomes allergic or tolerant of an allergen. Once allergic, for over 100 yrs, it has been known that bypassing respiratory mucous membranes by giving allergy shots leads to tolerance; similarly, new ways of food desensitization involve gradually eating the food in measured amounts.

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Doctor answers about:

Big 8 allergens

A member asked:

I've never had food allergies & tested neg for them, but do have eczema & chronic hives. does this mean i'll react to big allergens like nuts & fish?

A member asked:

What is an allergen?

A member asked:

What are common food allergens?

A member asked:

What are common plant allergens?

A member asked:

Do nachos contain any allergens?

A member asked:

Are there allergens in chocolate?

A member asked:

How do allergens affect the body?

A member asked:

What are the major food allergens?

A member asked:

What are common allergens indoors?

A member asked:

Can exposing yourself to an allergen help?

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