People with food allergies are less likely to experience infectious diseases. Why is this happening and how likely are these patients to contract COVID-19?
Head Department of Immunopathology and Immunodiagnostics, Professor, Doctor of Medical Sciences APO FNKTS FMBA of Russia
Food allergy is a state of increased sensitivity of the body to certain foods, which develops when the immune system is dysfunctional. Symptoms of the problem are varied, the most common of them are disturbances in the work of the gastrointestinal tract:
nausea,
vomiting,
diarrhea,
colic.
Due to similar symptoms, patients often confuse an allergic reaction with food poisoning. In some cases, the diagnosis is helpful accompanying manifestations… For example, skin rashes or swelling of the face, tongue, lips. But for diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct tests aimed at assessing the response of the immune system. There are two options: skin tests (scarification or prick tests) and the determination of specific IgE in the blood.
To spite viruses
Since allergies are directly related to the level of immunity, it affects the general resistance of the body to the effects of bacteria and parasites. Due to the large amount of immunoglobulin E (IgE), allergy sufferers are less likely to suffer from viral diseases. However, in case of infection, allergies are considered an aggravating factor. The reason can be explained. For example, Covid-19 also enters the intestines, and with food allergies, the permeability of the intestinal wall changes, which makes it easier for the infection to spread throughout the body. Accordingly, the concentration of the virus is higher, so the disease can be more severe. However, she pathology does not belong to risk factors for coronavirus infection, there is no reliable data on their relationship.
Moreover, in the event of infection with COVID-19, contact with a food allergen can lead to an increased allergic reaction in the patient. As with any viral infection, patients need to avoid foods that may contain components hazardous to the body.
About prevention
Allergy is not a contraindication to coronavirus vaccination. The only limitation is that you cannot be vaccinated during an exacerbation of the disease. Patients with severe allergic reactions in the form of anaphylaxis should first consult a doctor in order to eliminate the risk of developing life-threatening symptoms.
Good to know
Many people confuse concepts food allergies и food intolerances… In the first case, the body’s reaction is due to the work of the immune system and the production of specific IgE, and in the second – the presence of concomitant diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, endocrine or nervous system. In this case, the allergy remains for life, and the intolerance disappears when the causes that caused it are eliminated.
Most of the factors influencing the development of allergies are determined in early childhood. But it is impossible to predict what and when the reaction will appear. In 5% of cases, this occurs in adulthood, which is associated with the gradual processing of information by the immune system. Allergy is not always manifested at the first contact with a specific product; a reaction may occur during its subsequent use, even 10–20 years after the starting test. The cells begin to secrete histamine, which triggers negative symptoms.
For food allergy treatment it is enough to eliminate the irritant product from the diet. Most often these are nuts, eggs, milk, fish, shellfish and wheat. Therefore, first of all, in laboratory tests, the body’s response to the use of these components is checked. Additionally, it is recommended to keep a food diary, in which you should note the reaction to the menu. This will help the doctor diagnose. To reduce symptoms, antihistamines and topical ointments are prescribed.