What the difference between a food allergy and intolerance?

Last night, Hubby asked me "What the difference between a food intolerance and a food allergy?" 

Well, one will make you pretty miserable, but the other can kill you. 

To be fair, Hubby doesn't know everything about my field of expertise. Just like I don't know everything there is to know about his job.

Food Intolerance

A family member just realized they are lactose intolerant. The symptoms they were having 

stomach cramps, gas, nausea, diarrhea and bloating.

Healthline has a whole list of symptoms you could experience: 

• Diarrhea
• Bloating
• Rashes
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Abdominal pain
• Runny nose
• Reflux
• Flushing of the skin

Hmm, sounds kind of like some of the symptoms you can have during an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis.)

If it's a food intolerance, doctors recommend an elimination diet to make your life so much more enjoyable.

Food allergy  

With a food allergy, your body reacts to a food protein. Your body's immune system does a good job at trying to protect you by destroying invaders (bacteria or viruses.) 

Sometimes, the body sees a food protein as an invader. It goes into hyper-drive trying to destroy it. Common allergens are seafood (fish and shellfish), dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, milk, eggs and sesame. 

But - the body can be allergic to almost any food! 

Symptoms a food allergy can be similar to an intolerance, so it's important to call your doctor to find out what is going on. 

Symptoms of an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) from FARE (Food Allergy and Research & Education):

Lung: shortness of breath, wheezing, repetitive cough

Heart: pale, blue, faint, weak pulse, dizzy
Throat: tight, hoarse, trouble breathing/swallowing
Mouth: significant swelling of the tongue or lips
Skin: many hives over body, widespread redness
Gut: repetitive vomiting or severe diarrhea
Psychological: feeling something bad is about to happen, anxiety, confusion 

I've seen anaphylaxis once in my life - after Son #1 had a reaction after allergy shots. 

I never want to see that again as long as I live!

How to Treat Anaphylaxis (from FARE) 

• Use epinephrine at the first sign of a severe allergic reaction, or as prescribed.
• Call 911. Tell the dispatchers that you have used epinephrine to treat a suspected anaphylactic reaction to food. Request an ambulance with epinephrine on board.
• Go to the emergency room for further treatment, even if symptoms appear to resolve with the epinephrine. The person may need more medication or treatment to manage the reaction.

We have two family members with food allergies, so I carry Epinephrine auto injectors EVERYWHERE I go. A twin pack used to  cost $600, but it has come down in price. Last year, I paid $20 for twin pack of epinephrine auto injectors.

If you do have a food allergy, make sure you have your auto injectors with you. 

Make sure your family/friends know about your allergy

Make sure your family and friends know how to help you if you have a reaction

It could save your life! 

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