Food allergy or intolerance – would you know?

Local MP Andrew Bridgen is supporting Food Allergy and Food Intolerance Week which is taking place this month.

During 23rd-29th January the NHS in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland is urging those who experience a reaction to certain foods to learn the difference and help manage their health better.

Andrew Bridgen said: “Many people do not know the difference between a food allergy and intolerance. Around one in 100 people will suffer from an allergy, but many more will suffer from food intolerance. I would urge anyone in North West Leicestershire that suffers food reactions to find out more information.”

Dr Chris Trzcinski, a GP and co-chairman of West Leicestershire CCG, said: “Those suffering from a food allergy will find they have distinctive symptoms very quickly – sometimes within minutes – which can be caused by a very small amount of the problem food, and in extreme cases can be life-threatening.

“The most common causes of food allergies include eggs, peanuts or tree nuts, mushrooms, fish and shellfish. Food allergies should always be diagnosed through tests and by examining the patient’s medical history.”

Gulshinder Chattha, senior dietician working with NHS patients across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, said: “Intolerance to food will depend on the amount eaten, present long-lasting symptoms including tummy aches, bloating, diarrhoea or constipation and is not life-threatening.

“We work with the individual to assess their diet and eating patterns to find a solution to what foods might be causing problems to their health. Once we have worked out what is upsetting them, we can plan with the patient to avoid these foods on a daily basis.

For more information on Food Allergy and Food Intolerance Week visit http://www.allergyuk.org/ or NHS Choices at www.nhs.uk