Food allergies are common in most children and adults, and the number of people diagnosed with them has steadily risen. It has been estimated that a minimum of 8% of the younger population has some food allergy. It is, therefore, critical to be aware of common food allergens and their effect on digestion and breathing. This information helps parents look after their children and be prepared for any warning signs and symptoms.

Eggs
One of the common food allergens that affect breathing in people is eggs. Although, most children outgrow their allergy to eggs by the time they reach the age of 16 years. Some common symptoms of an egg allergy are digestive distress, stomach ache, hives, rashes, and respiratory problems. Some severe cases might also have patients experience anaphylaxis after ingesting egg whites; in fact, the whites tend to be a more prevalent allergen compared to the egg yolk. Like in most allergies, avoiding eggs is one of the safest ways to avoid allergic reactions.

Fish
About 7% of the adult population suffers from fish allergy. Like most other food allergies, fish allergy is also commonly developed in the early years. However, it can manifest and be diagnosed later in life. Fish allergy can cause a serious reaction and, in some cases, even prove fatal. Some people with fish allergies also carry epinephrine injections that can be auto-injected in emergencies. This can especially come in handy when the patient is unaware of fish being included in the food preparation.

Wheat
Wheat is another food that can more commonly cause an allergic reaction in children. The symptoms present because of wheat allergy include vomiting, hives, rashes, digestive distress, difficulty breathing, and swelling. In some severe cases, common wheat allergy can also affect the patient’s breathing and might cause anaphylaxis. This is not to be confused with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. People with wheat allergy can comfortably tolerate gluten present in other grains.

Milk
Milk is one of the most common allergens in small children and babies. It is also an allergy that can be outgrown with age. Therefore, milk allergy is not as prevalent in adults as it is in children. Commonly seen symptoms of allergy to cow’s milk are rashes, hives, swelling, and vomiting. However, in some rare cases, milk allergy can also cause an anaphylaxis reaction, making milk one of the common allergen that affects breathing.

Shellfish
Fish belonging to the category of mollusks and crustaceans can cause allergic reactions in some people. Tropomyosin is a protein that is commonly blamed for allergies caused by eating shellfish. In some people, even the vapors of shellfish dishes being cooked alongside their food can cause contamination. Since it is one of those allergies that does not resolve itself over time, the only option patients have to deal with it is by avoiding adding prawns, lobster, scallops, shrimp, and other shellfish to their food.