of course is does make a difference with treatment and diagnosis.
however, both do need to avoid the problem food. even with intolerance , there is a wide varity of sensitivity, and the smallest amount of the problem foods can lead to a lot of pain, and nasty symtptoms for some, however a lot of people can tolerate a smaller amount of the food , with no problem.
it depends a lot on the gut, and the damage to the constant eating of offending foods over time.
for a ige person, they are going to always have a reaction, and severity again can be hugely differing. for a large group of people , they can have lots of small reactions, and for some instant severe reactions, however BOTH are at risk of anaphylaxis .
but this is something that truely needs to be judged by an immunologist , who takes three factors in to account, history, blood and skin tests.
i.e just because a person has always had previous mild reactions, it doesnt mean that they will never have a episode of anaphylaxis.
factors that increase risk,
booze
periods
viral infections,
recovering from illness, such as above and for e.g flu/colds etc
stress (e.g exam stress)
asthma control. (those with asthma at higher risk anyway, those with uncontrolled asthma are again , high risk)
.......theres another one, but i cant remember it.....
treatment for both is normal avoidance, for the intolerant, a elimination diet (which is a pain in the you know what) is the safest and most reliable way of testing and confirming food intolerance.
high chance of many young children outgrowing.
however are adults/children around with severe food intolerances.
for ige
complete avoidance, and for those lucky few who get to see the right people they should get ,
skin prick testing, blood tests , and if food allergy seems to be lessoning, a food challenge in hosptial setting is the way forward.
also work to confirm the list of food allergies, and gives a clearer idea of what the person is REALLY allergic to.
food challenges are needed , because living with allergies is hard enough, but to live it when you have really outgrown the problem seems rather pointlessly life restricting.
patients should never try a food at home to see if out grown without medical advice.
and on a personal note, doing a 'nigella' isnt aways as safe as you think,
sitting outside a hosptial , with a spoonful of peanut butter may feel safe, but if you have to run in with kid, scream for help, and hope to be heard, it still takes time to get the right people, to move QUICKLY in to action.
so dont pick a busy time period, with a long triage line...........
anyway, am sure that many here are aware of all this and finding it boring......am going to read a few more food labels........