We asked one of our allergists what a food allergy looks like in a developing immune system and here is what Dr. Erik Newman had to say.
"Every year we are learning more about the role our immune systems plays in the development of a food allergy, though there still remain many unanswered questions. Most food allergies are caused by the IgE antibody. The IgE antibodies are proteins produced by our immune system. Historically they have been important proteins in our immune system that protect us from parasitic worms (helminths). However, when we produce IgE antibodies that bind to allergens (such as food proteins), they have the potential to start a cascade of reactions that result in allergic symptoms of hives, vomiting, swelling, congestion, difficulty breathing, and even low blood pressure.
Many questions remain as to why some people make IgE antibodies that bind to food proteins like cow’s milk, egg, peanuts, and tree nuts, while other people don’t. Recent studies have indicated that children may be more likely to develop an allergic immune response to foods if they are first exposed to the food through their skin, which may explain why most patients with food allergies also have atopic dermatitis (a defect in the skin barrier). We also know that early introduction of foods by mouth decreases the risk of developing a food allergy, which is why we recommend peanuts be introduced early to patients at high risk of food allergies. However, studies evaluating the application of thick emollients/creams to skin to improve our skin barriers, have not consistently resulted in a decreased risk for food allergies (although this question has not yet been completed answered).
Each year we learn a little bit more about the intricacies of food allergies. The improved understanding is vital to help us promote practices to prevent food allergies, to develop tools to more accurately diagnose food allergies, and to develop safe treatments for food allergies."
Reference:
1. Keet CA, Berin MC. The year in food allergy. The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology. 2022;149(3):867-873.
If you have questions or concerns about your or your child’s food allergies this winter, now is a great time to schedule an appointment with your provider!