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Food Allergy in Seniors: What To Know and What To Do

Food allergy occurs when the body’s immune system considers certain food like peanuts, soy, shellfish and wheat as harmful and reacts by causing symptoms. Food allergy symptoms can be severe for seniors. Check out this to know more about food allergy.<br>

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Food Allergy in Seniors: What To Know and What To Do

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  1. Food Allergy In Seniors:What To Know and What To Do

  2. Food allergy occurs when the body’s immune system considers certain food like peanuts, soy, shellfish and wheat as harmful and reacts by causing symptoms. In this case, a body releases an antibody termed as Immunoglobulin or IgE which further produces histamine and other chemicals when coming contact with allergens. Food allergies are directly linked with the immune system. Remember, reactions from a food allergy can be more severe and pose threat to one’s life. It is thought that food allergy is only developed during childhood. However, it can occur at any point in life. Food allergy is an increasing health concern in seniors. According to studies, as many as 10% of seniors are believed to have food allergies.

  3. What Are The Symptoms Of Food Allergy? Mild Symptoms • Hives • Redness of the skin or eyes • Nasal congestion or sneezing Severe Symptoms • Shortness of Breath • Sudden drop in Blood Pressure • Swelling of Lips, Tongue & Throat

  4. Detecting a Food Allergy in Seniors is Important Given that food allergy causes severe symptoms, it is essential to detect its signs in elders. You can take them to allergist for food allergy tests given below: • SKIN PRICK TEST • BLOOD TEST • ORAL FOOD CHALLENGE (OFC) • FOOD ELIMINATION DIET Once it is established that your elders have a food allergy, you should get them treated. Besides, an efficient management is necessary.

  5. Ways To Manage Food Allergy In Seniors Eliminate Food Allergens From Their Diet First of all, identify which food makes them uncomfortable. Then, remove them from their diet. Read the food labels before shopping prepackaged foods for them. However, it can be challenging if they are dining out. In this case, you can request to know the ingredients used in the dish. If the individual is unable to answer, then it is best to avoid the unknown. It is better if you read the menu of the restaurant.

  6. Medication Consider immediate medical treatment for them if they are facing severe symptoms. You can give them antihistamines for mild symptoms. Modify Recipes You can bring changes in the recipes so that they are comfortable with the food. You can ask dietician or visit websites to know the appropriate substitutes for the ingredients. Educate Yourself Stay updated with the latest knowledge. Attend seminars and seek information through the Internet on food allergy. Ask your doctor if you have any doubt.

  7. These are the essential things to know about food allergies in seniors. Remember, management is the key when it comes to helping your elders with food allergy. Stonecrest of Troy 3400 Livernois, Troy, MI 48083 248-528-8001 http://stonecrestoftroy.com/ hmcmirray@stonecrestseniorliving.com

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