It's normal to experience some abdominal discomfort immediately after overeating, but if you begin feeling sick to your stomach or vomit an hour after you've eaten, you may have a sensitivity or intolerance to that food.
If, in addition to nausea or vomiting, your tongue starts to swell, you begin wheezing or have difficult breathing, develop itchy skin or hives, feel faint or pass out, you may be having a severe allergic reaction to something you've eaten.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), an estimated 12 million people in the United States are allergic to some food—and as many as 60 million have a food intolerance or sensitivity. Eight foods account for 90 percent of all allergic reactions:
- Cow's milk
- Fish
- Eggs
- Shellfish
- Soybeans
- Wheat
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts (walnuts, cashews, etc.)
Most children outgrow allergies to milk, eggs, wheat and soy by the time they are five. Nearly 20 percent of children outgrow allergies to peanuts—but few outgrow allergies to tree nuts or seafood. Peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish cause most allergies in adults. If you're allergic to shrimp, it's likely you'll also be allergic to lobster and crab.
Understanding Your Allergies: Avoiding Foods that Trigger Symptoms
The first few times you eat a food to which you're allergic, you may have mild symptoms—nausea, a tingling in the mouth or a few hives—but repeated exposure can cause anaphylaxis, a life-threatening type of allergic reaction.
If you're not certain what food is causing your allergy, consult a doctor. You may be asked to keep a meal journal noting when, where and what you've eaten. (Even if you never eat peanuts, if you're frequently sick after eating in Asian restaurants it could be that the food was fried in peanut oil or was contaminated by peanuts in the kitchen.) Your doctor may also perform skin patch tests to determine which foods may be causing your symptoms.
There is no cure for food allergies. Never eat a food to which you're allergic. Read the ingredient labels on food you're purchasing and double check with restaurant servers to make sure foods you're allergic to won't be used in what you're ordering.
Be Prepared
Epi-Pens & MedicAlert Bracelets
Once you've had a severe allergic reaction, the chance of an even more severe reaction the next time you're exposed to that food increases. The CDC estimates that food allergies cause 30,000 cases of anaphylaxis, 2,000 hospitalizations, and 150 deaths annually.
While mild food allergies are treatable with an antihistamine or bronchodilator, severe, or anaphylactic reactions, require epinephrine.
An epinephrine shot can slow down or stop an allergic reaction. If your doctor prescribes an Epi-kit, make sure you have it with you at all times—it's also recommended that you wear a medical alert bracelet so EMTs and ER staff will immediately know what to do.
After administering an Epi-shot, go immediately to the ER even if your symptoms improve. Allergic reactions can recur within hours of the first reaction so monitoring in a medical setting is essential.
Kids With Allergies?
Teach the Teachers
If your child has either a mild or severe food allergy, it's important that school staff—from the nurse and front office to the classroom teacher—understand what foods have to be avoided and what to do if symptoms present. Make sure the EPI-kit goes to school with your child each day and that the teacher understands how to use it.
Concerned About Your Symptoms?
If your symptoms are severe, go immediately to an emergency room. If you're not sure whether your symptoms require emergency treatment, VITAL WorkLife Nurseline members should call the Nurseline number directly anytime. We're also here if you have questions about food sensitivities or if you'd like suggestions about managing your own or someone else's food allergy.
Pathways to Well Being contact VITAL WorkLife at 800.383.1908 or access resources through your VITAL WorkLife App
