Food Allergy in Singapore

Do you suffer from skin irritations such as itchiness, rashes and hives, but have no idea what is causing them after eating something? 

Unbeknownst to many, the underlying causes of allergies differ from individual to individual. The three most common allergies are contact allergy, food allergy and drug allergy.

What is Food Allergy?

A food allergy is what happens when consuming certain foods trigger the body’s immune system, leading to allergic reactions that range from mild rash to severe life threatening conditions.

When this happens, the immune system erroneously treats the proteins in these foods as threats to the body, releasing chemicals that induce symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Common causes of Food Allergy in Singapore

Consuming allergens causes food allergies to develop. Symptoms of food allergies can start immediately after eating, or it can take several hours to days to show.

Seafood allergy is one of the most common allergies in adults in Singapore as well as Asia. Other common food allergens include:

• Eggs
• Milk and other lactose-based products
• Nuts (particularly peanuts and tree nuts)
• Shellfish and other seafood
• Foods containing gluten
• Soy products and soybeans

How do I know I have a Food Allergy?

The symptoms of food allergy vary from each individual and can affect different parts of the body.These are some common symptoms:

• Itchy eyes and/or skin
• Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
• Red rashes or hives
• Tingly and itchy throat or mouth
• Wheezing and congestion of the nasal passages
• Abdominal cramps and pain
• Swelling in the face, mouth, throat, or other parts of the body
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sneezing (hay fever-like symptoms)

Are Food Allergies serious?

For some people, food allergies can also trigger a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This requires urgent medical attention and should be recognised as soon as possible.
The symptoms for anaphylaxis include,

• Tightening of airways - patients may complain of hoarse voice
• Swollen throat and difficulty breathing - in the early changes they may complain of chest tightness
• Severe drop in blood pressure and rapid pulse - patients can be delayed response
• Feeling dizzy, lightheaded or losing consciousness

Some people can also develop exercise-induced food allergies. This is when symptoms of a food allergy, typically anaphylaxis, manifests after consuming a certain food followed by exercising.

Who is at risk of developing Food Allergy in Singapore?

While anyone can develop a food allergy at any age, there are some factors that put you at a higher risk.

• Family or personal history of allergies (asthma, hives, hay fever, eczema)
• Early onset of atopic dermatitis can lead to more allergies
• Age (food allergies are more common in infants and toddlers)

How is Food Allergy diagnosed?

There are a number of factors and tests to diagnose food allergies. It may be diagnosed based on your symptoms alone, or your dermatologist may suggest tests to determine the source (or sources) of your allergy.

• Skin prick test - A tiny amount of suspected food allergen is placed on your skin, and then your doctor will prick the skin with a needle to enable the substance to enter the surface of your skin. If you develop a bump or irritation, it indicates a food allergy.
• Blood test - A blood sample can determine if you have food allergies, by measuring the immune system’s response to certain foods and analysing immunoglobulin E (IgE), the allergy-related antibody.

What are the treatment options for Food Allergy in Singapore?

Treatment options for food allergies in Singapore vary, as it depends on how severe your reactions are. Once the food allergy has been identified, you should avoid it to prevent further allergic reactions. It is important to check food labels and be aware of the ingredients in each meal.

These are some common treatment options for food allergy:

• Antihistamines
• Anti-inflammatory topical medications
• Medication to treat gastrointestinal symptoms
• Emergency epinephrine and hydrocortisone injections (for severe cases)