Question 1

How does allergy differ from intolerance?

Accepted Answer

1) Allergy — immune response, can be life-threatening. 2) Intolerance — digestive problem. 3) Allergy: swelling, rash, anaphylaxis. 4) Intolerance: bloating, diarrhea. 5) Allergy diagnosed by an allergist.

Question 2

What is lactose intolerance?

Accepted Answer

1) Lack of enzyme lactase. 2) Symptoms: bloating, gases, diarrhea from dairy. 3) Severity varies — dosage can be adjusted. 4) Lactase supplements help. 5) Lactose-free products are available.

Question 3

How to identify food allergy?

Accepted Answer

1) Skin tests by an allergist. 2) Blood test for IgE. 3) Elimination diet with provocation. 4) Do not trust IgG tests — unreliable. 5) Keep a food diary.

Question 4

What is celiac disease?

Accepted Answer

1) Autoimmune disease, not allergy. 2) Gluten damages the intestines. 3) Symptoms: diarrhea, anemia, fatigue. 4) Diagnosis: antibodies + biopsy. 5) Treatment: lifelong gluten-free diet.

Question 5

How to live with a food allergy?

Accepted Answer

1) Always read labels. 2) Inform restaurants. 3) Carry adrenaline (EpiPen) for severe reactions. 4) Wear an information bracelet. 5) Educate others on how to help.

Question 6

What is histamine and its role in allergies?

Accepted Answer

1) Inflammatory and allergy mediator. 2) Causes itching, swelling, redness. 3) Antihistamines block its action. 4) Sources: aged cheeses, wine, smoked foods. 5) Diet helps with histamine intolerance.

Question 7

How to recognize anaphylactic shock?

Accepted Answer

1) Rapid onset after contact with allergen. 2) Breathing difficulty, throat swelling. 3) Drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness. 4) Immediately inject adrenaline. 5) Call an ambulance, even if symptoms improve.

Question 8

What is cross-reactivity?

Accepted Answer

1) Reaction to similar proteins in different foods. 2) Birch-apple, pollen-nuts. 3) Heat processing often helps. 4) An allergist will map cross-reactions. 5) Keeping a reaction diary is important.

Question 9

How does adrenaline work in anaphylaxis?

Accepted Answer

1) Quickly constricts blood vessels, raises blood pressure. 2) Relaxes airways. 3) Blocks further histamine release. 4) Effects appear in 3-5 minutes. 5) Dose: 0.3-0.5 mg intramuscularly in the thigh.

Question 10

What is atopic dermatitis?

Accepted Answer

1) Chronic inflammatory skin disease. 2) Often linked to food allergies in children. 3) Dryness, itching, redness. 4) Moisturizing is the main treatment. 5) Avoiding triggers helps.

Question 11

How to read labels when allergic?

Accepted Answer

1) Look for 'Contains' on the label. 2) Study the allergen list at the end. 3) 'May contain' — risk of cross-contamination. 4) Learn to recognize hidden allergens. 5) When in doubt — the manufacturer is responsible.

Question 12

What is oral allergic syndrome?

Accepted Answer

1) Itching in the mouth from raw fruits/vegetables. 2) Associated with pollen allergy. 3) Cooking/baking usually removes the reaction. 4) Apples, peaches, cherries — common triggers. 5) Antihistamines before eating help.

Question 13

How to eat safely in a restaurant?

Accepted Answer

1) Inform about severe allergy immediately. 2) Ask about ingredients and cross-contamination. 3) Choose simple dishes. 4) Avoid buffets and shared pans. 5) Keep medications with you.

Question 14

What is non-specific food intolerance?

Accepted Answer

1) Non-immune, non-enzymatic reaction. 2) Symptoms vary and are unpredictable. 3) Often related to the amount eaten. 4) Difficult to diagnose. 5) Keeping a diary is the best method.

Question 15

How to cook for a family with allergies?

Accepted Answer

1) Separate cutting boards, dishes, utensils. 2) Prepare hypoallergenic dishes first. 3) Label food containers. 4) Clean surfaces thoroughly. 5) Teach children safety rules.

Question 16

What is FODMAP and their intolerance?

Accepted Answer

1) Short-chain carbohydrates fermented in the gut. 2) Cause bloating, gas, pain in sensitive individuals. 3) Onion, garlic, wheat, dairy — main sources. 4) Low-FODMAP diet helps with IBS. 5) Introduce foods gradually.

Question 17

How to distinguish allergy from IBS?

Accepted Answer

1) Allergy is immune, IBS is a functional disorder. 2) Allergy can be systemic, IBS affects only the gut. 3) Specific markers exist for allergy. 4) IBS is a diagnosis of exclusion. 5) Symptoms may overlap.

Question 18

What is sulfite sensitivity?

Accepted Answer

1) Reaction to preservatives in wine, dried fruits. 2) Symptoms: asthma, headache, rash. 3) Not true allergy, but intolerance. 4) Avoid 'sulfites' in ingredients. 5) Organic wine may contain sulfites.

Question 19

How does immunotherapy work for allergies?

Accepted Answer

1) Gradual introduction of allergen in small doses. 2) 'Trains' the immune system. 3) Course lasts 3-5 years. 4) Effective for pollen, insect stings. 5) Conducted only under an allergist's supervision.

Question 20

What to do if food allergy is suspected?

Accepted Answer

1) Immediately stop eating the suspected product. 2) Record symptoms and time. 3) Consult a doctor for referral. 4) Do not exclude many foods at once. 5) Keep a diary until the doctor visit.

Question 21

Allergies and intolerances: how to keep a food diary for diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Start with a plate: half vegetables/fruits, a quarter protein, a quarter complex carbs + healthy fats. This is a simple base.

Question 22

Allergies and intolerances: how to safely exclude foods?

Accepted Answer

Practice for 'Allergies and intolerances': plan 2–3 basic dishes per week and prepare stock. Easier to maintain a stress-free diet.

Question 23

Allergies and intolerances: what symptoms require urgent attention?

Accepted Answer

Answer for 'Allergies and intolerances': focus on regularity and balance, not on 'perfect' foods. Calorie and protein deficits/excesses matter most.

Question 24

Allergies and intolerances: how to reduce cross-contamination risk?

Accepted Answer

For 'Allergies and Intolerances', it is helpful to read labels: sugar, salt, fiber, protein. Compare products per 100 g.