How does one person (male or female) develop a form of food allergy towards peanuts, milk etc.?
http://www.webmd.com/allergies/foods-allergy-intolerance
This is a good web site from Ms Sue. There is also medical discussion on what triggers the allergy in the first place as some people suddenly can develop an allergy. It is thought that this may be due to an environmental trigger such as a virus which triggers the body's defence system to treat the protein in the allergen as an invader.
The susceptibility to the trigger seems to run in families so that often siblings have similar allergies, but these may start some time apart depending on when the environmental trigger occurs.
For example see coeliac http://www.enabling.org/ia/celiac/summary.html
Food allergies can develop in various ways, but most commonly they occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies certain proteins in food as harmful substances. It is not entirely clear why some people develop food allergies while others do not. However, there are a few proposed factors that may contribute to the development of food allergies:
1. Genetic predisposition: A family history of allergies can increase the risk of developing food allergies. If one or both parents have allergies, their children are more likely to develop them as well.
2. Early exposure: Introducing certain foods too early or too late in an infant's diet may increase the risk of developing allergies. Delayed introduction of common allergenic foods like peanuts or milk has been associated with an increased risk.
3. Immune system dysfunction: Some researchers believe that a malfunction in the immune system may lead to the development of food allergies. This dysfunction could be a result of certain infections, environmental factors, or the disruption of the gut microbiome.
To determine if someone has a food allergy, medical professionals usually perform tests such as skin prick tests, blood tests (looking for specific antibodies), or controlled oral food challenges. These tests help identify the specific food that causes an allergic reaction and determine the severity of the allergy.
It is important to note that while there is no cure for food allergies, strategies such as avoiding the allergen, carrying emergency medication (such as epinephrine auto-injectors), and seeking medical advice are crucial in managing food allergies and preventing potentially life-threatening allergic reactions. If you suspect you have a food allergy, it is recommended that you consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.