Approximately 33 million Americans have food allergies. This equates to approximately 5.8% of children and one in 10 adults. Even more shocking, more than half of adults with food allergies experience a severe reaction.
Food allergies are so common in the United States that it’s no surprise that people turn to search engines with countless questions. However, while there is a wealth of information available online, it is often overwhelming or contradictory. This prevents many people from getting any closer to finding the answers they desperately need.
To help, biochemist Dr. Gill Hart, who specializes in food allergies and sensitivities, answers 12 of the most common food allergy questions in the United States.
Who is Dr. Gearhart?
Dr. Gill Hart is a biochemist and current scientific director of YorkTest, a provider of home food allergy and sensitivity testing. She has over 30 years of experience in her field, focusing on developing and validating unique diagnostic tests and testing services for hospitals and consumers.
She joined YorkTest in 2005 and was instrumental in growing the company to where it is today, supporting hundreds of thousands of people in the US and UK to discover their food allergies and sensitivities.
So, what are the most asked questions based on search volume?
The number one question is “How to test for food allergies.” Even though its wording isn’t exactly a problem, Americans search for it about 1,000 times a month!
Question 1: How to test for food allergies?
Monthly search volume: ~1,000
Dr. Hart’s answer:
“Food allergy testing can come in different forms. Your allergy specialist may use a skin prick test or an oral food challenge test, both of which need to be done under medical supervision. Blood tests are also an option. These can be from a finger Blood can also be taken from a vein sample.
Question 2: What are the causes of food allergies?
Monthly search volume: ~800
Dr. Hart’s answer:
“Food allergies are caused by an overreaction of the body’s immune system, which causes the body to go into shock. These reactions can range from mild to severe, with severe reactions known as anaphylaxis – a life-threatening allergic reaction.
“Our immune system constantly uses antibodies to fight infections to keep us healthy. IgE (Immunoglobulin E) is a type of antibody that often mistakes food proteins for threats, stimulating the release of chemical immune mediators. These mediators can cause allergies Symptoms that occur during a reaction, such as airway closure, swelling, and chest tightening. Food allergies are identified with blood tests that measure levels of IgE antibodies.
Question 3: What is a food allergy?
Monthly search volume: ~700
Dr. Hart’s answer:
“Food allergies are direct reactions to foods that can be fatal. When the immune system is triggered, the body (erroneously) prepares to fight the threat posed by foods that should be safe to eat. Your body goes into overdrive, which can Life-threatening.
Question 4: How long will food allergies last?
Monthly search volume: ~700
Dr. Hart’s answer:
“Food allergies usually begin in childhood, but may first begin in adulthood. Once food allergies develop into adulthood, they often persist throughout life. Therefore, people with allergies always need to avoid the triggering food.
Question 5: What does a food allergy rash look like?
Monthly search volume: ~600
Dr. Hart’s answer:
“Food allergy rashes are usually red, raised or bumpy, and very itchy. If the food is eaten, the rash can appear on any part of the body that has been in contact with the trigger food. This includes places like the lips, tongue, or throat, or on the hands or arms if contact with food). The inflammation that causes the rash can cause very severe swelling.
Question 6: What are the most common food allergies?
Search volume per month: ~350
Dr. Hart’s answer:
“There are over 170 foods that can cause allergic reactions, but there are 9 major food allergies you need to be most wary of. These are peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish (crustaceans and molluscs), sesame and soybeans.
Question 7: How long do food allergy symptoms last?
Search volume per month: ~200
Dr. Hart’s answer:
“Once you are no longer exposed to the food that triggered your allergy, symptoms may persist for a few hours or days. If symptoms are severe, they will not go away without urgent medical attention.
Question 8: What is the difference between food allergies and food intolerances?
Search volume per month: ~200
Dr. Hart’s answer:
“Food allergies cause a reaction that can be life-threatening once an allergy sufferer is exposed to the food. Food intolerances or food allergies take hours or days to develop and often lead to more chronic conditions, Examples include digestive problems, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, migraines, eczema and lack of energy. They are not life-threatening.
Question 9: How to eliminate food allergies
Search volume per month: ~150
Dr. Hart’s answer:
“In some cases, allergies in children become less severe as they age. However, this is not always the case. Unfortunately, in general, food allergies cannot be cured. Allergy sufferers can What you do is make sure you avoid foods that cause allergies.
Question 10: How long does it take for food allergies to appear?
Search volume per month: ~150
Dr. Hart’s answer:
“Food allergies only take minutes to appear, requiring immediate action to combat symptoms. In some cases, the initial symptoms may subside, followed by a second wave of symptoms one to four hours later, called a biphasic reaction. .
Question 11: Why are food allergies more common now?
Search volume per month: ~100
Dr. Hart’s answer:
“There are many theories about [why food allergies are more common]but I believe it has a lot to do with our current state of guts; 70% of our immune system resides in our gut.
“The way we eat and the types of foods we eat are very different now than in the past. One theory is that when we are younger, our exposure to microorganisms and infectious agents is reduced. This may cause the body to overreact to proteins that are usually harmless. , thus causing allergies.
Question 12: What are the symptoms of food allergies?
Search volume per month: ~100
Dr. Hart’s answer:
“Within minutes of eating the trigger food, people with food allergies may develop swelling of their lips, face, or eyes, itchy skin, and a raised red rash. They may have vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhea. They may have difficulty breathing. Or feel dizzy, dizzy, or weak, and have a constant feeling that something is not right, and symptoms progress quickly, necessitating medical intervention.
final thoughts
Navigating the world of food allergies can be challenging, but knowing the facts is half the battle. Whether you’re dealing with food allergies yourself or supporting a loved one, remember you’re not alone – millions of people are in the same boat. By staying informed and taking the right precautions, you can effectively manage your allergies and focus on enjoying the things that matter most.
If you’re looking for more advice on dealing with allergies and sensitivities, visit the YorkTest Blog for expert insights on understanding your symptoms.
