Food allergies seem to be on the rise, but misconceptions abound, often getting in the way of a condition being properly diagnosed and treated. According to recent research, up to 35% of people misdiagnose themselves (or their children) with a food intolerance or allergy then try to manage it themselves rather than seek proper medical advice. So it’s time to set the record straight on five of the most popular misconceptions that persist.
1. I have symptoms after food so it must be an allergy
Not necessarily. Adverse reactions to food can occur for a variety of reasons, and all fall within the umbrella term “food hypersensitivity”. This includes reactions that involve the immune system, termed food allergy, but also a range of others that don’t – often called “food intolerance”.
Allergy Therapeutics plc (LON:AGY) is a market-leading, pioneering immunology business with specialist experience in the research and development of allergy treatments.