Protein allergy

Protein allergy has become a real threat in recent decades, but previously this form of allergy was considered quite rare. Now food allergy is becoming more common, which means that the protein, which is found not only in milk and meat, but also in some types of plants, is acquiring the status of a provoking allergen. The fact is that the human body is a protein multifunctional system. Therefore, other proteins, regardless of their source, are subject to sensitization, the body accepts them and begins to recognize them. Depending on the state of the immune system, sensitization can be accelerated, active, but it can also be slow.

Essentially, a protein allergy is an allergic reaction to protein, a response of the immune competent systems and organs to the invasion of a foreign, but similar in molecular composition, protein.

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What causes protein allergies?

Protein allergy, like most other types of allergy, is provoked by an allergen that has entered the gastrointestinal tract. Food intolerance to protein is characterized by enteritis, enterocolitis, and flatulence. Protein allergy is often accompanied by dyspepsia, bowel disorder - diarrhea or constipation. Nausea, leading to vomiting, is possible. In severe cases, the patient complains of severe pain in the epigastric region, which makes it difficult to differentiate the symptoms of other diseases of the digestive tract. Protein allergy is divided into types and treatment methods depending on the allergen:

CMP (cow's milk protein) intolerance

This is the most common provoking allergen, especially in the diet of children, both newborns and older. Allergy to milk protein in babies is explained by the insufficient development of the digestive organs and immature enzymatic function. The secretory systems do not have time to produce enough specific proteoenzymes, milk protein enters the body, and then the blood, practically undigested. As a result, sensitization begins, recognition of the protein structure and, as a consequence, an allergic reaction. Therapy for allergy to milk protein, first of all, consists of excluding all whole milk products from the diet. Also, sorbent drugs are prescribed to remove toxins from the body. Enterosgel is effective, which protects the mucous membranes of the digestive tract from contact with the CIC - immune circulating complexes. Symptomatic (antihistamine) therapy is prescribed only by a doctor, self-medication is unacceptable, as in any other cases of allergy.

Allergy to milk protein

Allergy to milk protein is rare in adults. Usually, by the age of seven, such an allergy, which began in early childhood, passes. Cross-form, connecting allergy to BCM and meat or fish protein, is also quite rare, is treated by eliminating the provoking products from the diet of the sick person.

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Allergy to fish and meat protein

Allergy to fish and meat protein is most common among adults, children suffer from this form less often due to the specificity of their diet. Allergies characteristic of this type can manifest themselves in adolescence, during puberty. Rarely, there is an allergy to meat protein, mainly beef protein. The most aggressive is the protein of sea fish, shrimp and other seafood. This is sarcoplasmic parvalbumin - a protein that remains unchanged even with prolonged heat treatment. Shrimp and crustaceans contain tropomyasin, which can persist even in the aquatic environment surrounding marine life and is practically not subject to treatment with digestive juices. This type of allergy does not depend on the age of the patient, the provoking allergen cannot be treated, so a person who has been diagnosed with an allergy to fish protein should forget about these products forever. Treatment is standard: exclusion of allergenic products from the diet, sorbents, antihistamine therapy.

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Allergy to egg white

Allergy to protein is also possible in relation to eggs and products containing them. The most dangerous are considered to be ovomucoid, ovalbumin, conalbumin. These mucoproteins are aggressive, stay in the digestive tract for a long time, disguised as trypsin (a natural enzyme) similar in molecular structure.

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Allergy to nuts

All types of nuts can also be an allergen. Peanuts are considered dangerous, almonds are less threatening in terms of provoking an allergy, then hazelnuts and walnuts are on the list. The reaction can be quick and occur at any age. The ability to sensitize remains forever, so nuts should be excluded from the diet in case of allergic reactions. You should also be careful with the use of products containing nuts, even in minimal quantities.

Allergy to protein can be provoked by the consumption of cereals, legumes, and soy products. Organic proteins, specific proteids also pose a danger to people prone to allergic reactions.

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How does protein allergy manifest itself?

Protein allergy is clinically manifested identically to any other form of allergy. As a rule, allergic reactions to protein manifest themselves dermally, that is, on the skin. This can be itching, rash, often swelling. Hyperemia manifests itself in different ways, locally, locally, but can also be generalized. If protein allergy affects children, then dermatitis is typical for this form, it is localized in the folds of the skin, often characterized by dryness, peeling. Diaper rash, which usually occurs in babies in the first year of life, cannot be neutralized by conventional means. Also, protein allergy in newborns can manifest itself in the form of persistent gneiss - milk crust. In adults, skin manifestations of food protein intolerance turn into allergic reactions of the mucous membranes. This is allergic rhinitis, often with an asthmatic component. The mucous membranes of the eyes are gradually involved in the pathological process - conjunctivitis, lacrimation appears, the sclera is hyperemic. A typical sign is sand in the eyes, itching and redness, often considered symptoms of other forms of allergy, contact. Therefore, it is very important to collect a complete anamnesis, including dietary, to accurately determine the source that provokes the allergy.