Final answer:
Food allergies occur when the immune system perceives a harmless food protein as a harmful invader. This immune response is triggered by the recognition of the food protein as an allergen, which causes allergic symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Food allergies occur when the immune system perceives a harmless food protein as a harmful invader. This immune response is triggered by the recognition of the food protein as an allergen, which is an antigen that causes allergies.
When a person with a food allergy consumes the allergenic food, their immune system releases histamines and other chemicals that cause inflammation and allergic symptoms. These symptoms can range from mild, such as itching and swelling, to severe, such as trouble breathing and anaphylaxis.
Common food allergens include nuts, eggs, grains, and milk. Allergies can be diagnosed through allergy testing, and the treatment involves avoiding the allergenic food and, in some cases, carrying epinephrine for emergency use.