Regarding Protein Allergy You Need To Know
Protein is an essential nutrient component the body needs. But in some people, the protein actually can backfire to the body that triggers allergic reactions. K This ondition is called protein allergy.
Essentially, a protein allergy is a food allergy, an allergic reaction that occurs when a person's immune system responds excessively to the protein of the food consumed. Generally, this condition affects the skin, digestive tract, and respiratory tract. The symptoms of protein allergy can occur suddenly after eating certain foods containing protein. Apart from food, protein allergies can also occur due to skin contact reaction to certain proteins in animals or plants.
Knowing Food Sources Cause Protein Allergy
All foods containing protein potentially cause allergies in some people. However, there are certain types of foods that are very common cause allergies. Common protein allergy problems include egg allergies, marine booster allergies or seafood such as fish and shrimp, and nut allergy.
- Allergy egg
Egg allergy is one type of protein allergy that occurs in children more than adults. This is an abnormal reaction of one's immune system to the proteins present in the egg. Either egg whites or egg yolks, they contain proteins that can trigger allergies. Breastfeeding infants may also experience protein allergic reactions if their mother eats eggs.
- Fish allergy
Fish allergy is one type of protein allergy that occurs in many adults. This is an abnormal reaction of one's immune system to proteins found in certain fish species, both marine and freshwater fish. Fish protein allergic reactions may occur when consuming or in contact with fish.
- Allergies nautical culinary or seafood
This is a protein allergic reaction due to the immune system overreacting to proteins present in certain seafood, such as shrimp, crab, oysters, lobster, squid, and octopus. Symptoms can appear instantly or a few minutes after eating seafood allergy trigger protein. A person who has a seafood allergy can be allergic to all types of seafood, but can also only be allergic to one or more specific types of seafood.
- Peanut allergy
Protein in nuts can also trigger protein allergies. Various types of nuts can cause allergies, including almonds, pistachios, walnuts, cashews, and peanuts.
- Milk allergy
Milk or dairy foods and beverages can cause allergies. Milk allergy occurs when the immune system regards the protein in milk as a harmful foreign body, causing an allergic reaction. Sometimes milk allergies are thought to be the same as lactose intolerance or milk, but these two conditions are different.
Symptoms and Treatment of Protein Allergies
The symptoms of protein allergies arising from consuming eggs, fish, seafood , milk, and beans are generally the same, ranging from mild to severe. The reactions that appear in the form of itching and red rash on the skin, watery eyes and itching, swelling on the lips; disruption of the respiratory tract such as nasal congestion and sneezing; as well as problems with the gastrointestinal tract such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. In rare cases, a protein allergy can cause a medical emergency called anaphylaxis, with symptoms of coughing, dizziness, decreased consciousness, limp, and there is a swelling in the respiratory tract causing shortness of breath.
Here are some steps for treating protein allergy:
- The proper diagnosis by an immunologist is key to addressing the condition protein allergy. Doctors will perform physical examination and allergy tests.
- The second step can be done is to avoid allergens. For example if you have allergies after eating eggs, then it is advisable not to eat eggs and any foods that contain eggs.
- Do not forget to always read the packaging label of food products you buy, make sure the product does not contain protein on foods that can trigger your allergies.
- For mild allergic reactions, allergy sufferers may take antihistamines to relieve symptoms. For severe allergies and can cause anaphylaxis, these conditions need immediate hospitalization.
In view of the excellent protein benefits for the body, allergy sufferers are encouraged to perform immunotherapy or desensitization therapy, to train the body to build a tolerance reaction to proteins. Consult your doctor about any steps you can take to overcome protein allergies without having to completely avoid the protein sources.