Can Food Allergies Cause Fever? Symptoms and Solutions

Introduction

Spring brings joy for many, but for some, it's also when hay fever and allergies hit, sometimes even bringing along unexpected food allergies. Food allergies are like the body's silent alarm bells. It is essentially an overreaction of the immune system to certain proteins found in foods. But did you know they can sometimes set off more than just a rumble in your tummy?

Can Food Allergies Cause Fever?

Allergies occur when your body overreacts to harmless substances like pollen or pet dander. Pollen or seasonal allergies cause symptoms like sinus infection including itchy eyes and sneezing, headache, or skin irritation. While food allergy leads to symptoms such as hives, stomach pain, or vomiting. Severe allergic reactions called anaphylaxis, causes unconsciousness, drop in blood pressure, and rapid heart rate which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

But all allergies, including seasonal and pollen food allergies, don't typically cause fever. Even hay fever, also known as allergic rhinitis, won't induce a fever despite its name. Hayfever and allergy relief medication are easily available at online pharmacists.

However, although not common, sometimes fever can also be a symptom of food allergies. This happens when the body's immune system reacts strongly to a food allergen, releasing substances like histamine causing inflammation that raise body temperature. Nevertheless, fever alone doesn't always mean it's a food allergy, as it could also be caused by other things like infections. Recognizing and managing these symptoms is vital for those affected.

Read our related blog if hay fever causes asthma.

Understanding Food Allergies

A food allergy is essentially an overreaction of the immune system to specific proteins in foods, that happens soon after eating a certain food.

Even a small amount of the allergen can set off a chain reaction of symptoms, which can vary from mild to very severe. Common allergenic foods include nuts, shellfish, eggs, milk, and soy, among others. It's estimated that approximately 8% of children under the age of 5 and up to 4% of adults are affected by food allergies.

Pollen Food Syndrome

Have you ever wondered if food allergies could be behind your hay fever symptoms? In addition to classic food allergies, some individuals may experience a phenomenon known as pollen food syndrome, also called oral allergy syndrome.

This condition occurs in people with hay fever (allergic rhinitis) who develop allergic reactions to certain fruits, vegetables, or nuts that contain proteins similar to those found in pollen. Symptoms can include itching or tingling in the mouth, throat, or lips, as well as swelling or redness. In some cases, pollen food syndrome reactions may also involve systemic symptoms like fever.

Causes of Allergic Food Reaction

Allergic food reactions occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies certain proteins in food as harmful invaders. The body then launches an immune response, releasing chemicals like histamine to fight off the perceived threat. This reaction can lead to various symptoms, ranging from mild to severe, depending on the individual and the amount of food consumed. Common causes of allergic food reactions include:

1. Proteins in Food

Specific proteins in certain foods trigger allergic reactions. Common allergenic foods include peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, fish, eggs, milk, soy, wheat, and sesame seeds.

2. Cross-Contamination

Cross-contact can occur when allergenic foods come into contact with other foods during processing, cooking, or serving. Even tiny traces of allergens can trigger a reaction in sensitive individuals.

3. Sensitization

Some people develop food allergies after repeated exposure to certain foods. Sensitization occurs when the immune system becomes hypersensitive to specific food proteins, leading to allergic reactions upon subsequent exposure.

4. Genetics

Genetics plays a role in the development of food allergies. Individuals with a family history of allergies are more likely to develop food allergies themselves.

5. Environmental Factors

Environmental factors, such as pollution or changes in diet, may influence the development or severity of food allergies in susceptible individuals.

6. Immune System Health

The overall health of the immune system can affect the body's response to food allergens. Certain factors, such as infections or autoimmune diseases, may increase the risk of allergic reactions.

7. Age

Food allergies are more common in children, although they can develop at any age. Some children outgrow their food allergies as they get older, while others may develop new allergies later in life.

Causes of Fever

Fevers may feel alarming, but they're actually your body's way of fighting infections. They don't pose a danger and can even help your immune system work better. While fever-reducing medicines available chemist online can make you feel better, they don't treat the underlying cause.

Fevers are often caused by infections like cold and cough or flu. Other things besides food allergies can make your body temperature go up. These include things like being too hot, certain diseases like autoimmune conditions, infections, cancer, and even some medications or vaccines.

Allergy symptoms can be uncomfortable, but they won't cause fevers. If you have congestion, it could be from allergies, sinusitis, or even the flu. It's essential to figure out the cause of your symptoms so you can treat them effectively. With the right diagnosis, you can manage your symptoms and prevent future flare-ups.

Managing Food Allergies and Fever

If you think a food allergy is causing symptoms like fever, it's important to see a doctor right away. They can do tests to find out which foods might be triggering your symptoms and create a plan to help you manage them. In the meantime, be careful with what you eat by checking food labels and telling restaurant staff about your allergies.

If you suspect food allergies are making your hay fever worse, take action. Keep track of what you eat in a diary, and talk to a doctor about getting tested for allergies. They can help you figure out which foods to avoid and give you medicine to ease your symptoms if needed.

Develop a personalized management plan. This plan may include avoiding trigger foods, carrying emergency medication like an epinephrine injector, and taking antihistamines to relieve symptoms.

Understanding the Connection Between Food Allergies and Fevers

Food allergies usually show up with symptoms like tummy problems or skin issues, but rarely they can also cause fevers. Besides pollen, food allergies can make hay fever-like symptoms happen too. Knowing how hay fever and allergies are linked is important for managing your allergies well.

Keep an eye out for foods that might trigger your symptoms and talk to a doctor if you need help. Don't wait to get help if you think you have food allergies or if your symptoms are serious.