(32686) Food Hypersensivity
Food hypersensitivity is an umbrella term for adverse reactions to food. It includes both food allergies, food intolerances and some medical conditions, such as coeliac disease.
Although the symptoms may sometimes appear similar, food allergies and food intolerances are different conditions and affect the body in different ways.
Food allergies
involve the immune system and can sometimes cause severe or life-threatening reactions, including anaphylaxis.
Food intolerances
do not usually involve the immune system in the same way and are generally less serious, although they can still have a significant impact on health and wellbeing.
Coeliac disease
is an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten.
It is a serious long-term medical condition that can damage the lining of the small intestine and lead to complications if untreated, but it is not usually immediately life-threatening in the same way that severe allergic reactions can be.