Allergies can be very dangerous and they can manifest themselves in many different ways. Most people know allergies by anaphylaxes, which is a very severe and intense allergic reaction that happens almost immediately. However, not all allergies will present themselves in this way. Instead, some reactions will be milder and delayed but over time can create problems. This is why it is important that you know some things about allergies so you can protect yourself and your family.

1. Introduce Foods Slowly

If you suspect you have allergies, you need to introduce foods slowly and individually. For example, a young child who is having different foods for the first time should have days before they try other new foods and they should never have blended foods at the beginning. Instead of giving your child strawberry yogurt, you should give the child some plain yogurt and then wait a couple days. If no reaction occurs, you can then give the child strawberries. After you are sure that the child has no problems tolerating strawberries or yogurt, then you can give the child blended yogurt.

2. Look For Digestive and Skin Problems

One of the most common ways for an allergy to manifest itself is through digestive and skin problems. Although some people will have swelling, vomiting and restricted airways when they eat something they are allergic to, it is also common to have the food get all the way to the gut before they have a reaction. The individual may become constipated or have diarrhea. Eczema is also a very common reaction to a food allergy.

This is why it is so important that you wait days before trying new foods. If you suspect that you have an allergy to milk, drink some milk and then wait a couple days. The reaction could be delayed, so you may not have a stomachache right after you consume it; it could take a couple days to start.

3. Keep A Food Journal

If you suspect food allergies, start keeping a food journal now. Write down everything that you ate each day and how you felt. You may start to see a pattern in your body's reaction. Make sure to write down even small traces of food that you ate, like one piece of chocolate. It doesn't have to be a lot to start a reaction.  

If after doing these things you suspect you have a problem, talk to an allergy specialist about possible treatments and solutions.