Food allergy is an adverse immune reaction caused by eating, coming into contact with or inhaling certain proteins that are present in food. In allergic people, the immune system identifies these proteins as a threat and triggers a disproportionate defensive response.

Although many people associate food allergies with digestive discomfort, they can actually cause respiratory, skin-related, and digestive symptoms and even severe reactions such as anaphylaxis.

This type of allergy can appear at any age, although it is more common in childhood. In some cases, it vanishes over time, but in others it persists throughout life.

Any food can be potentially allergenic, but most allergic reactions are caused by certain products:

• Nuts (walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios, etc.)

• Peanuts

• Shellfish and fish

• Cow’s milk and dairy products

• Eggs

• Soybeans

• Wheat and other gluten-containing cereals

• Raw fruits and vegetables (e.g. peaches, apples, bananas, tomatoes, etc.)

• Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, soybeans)

• Mustard, celery, sesame or lupin

European legislation identifies 14 allergens that must be declared on food labelling. This measure is key to preventing reactions in allergic people.

Reactions may occur after eating, handling or even inhaling vapours that contain allergen particles. Symptoms usually start minutes after coming into contact with the food, although in some cases they can take up to two hours.

The most common symptoms are:

• On the skin: urticaria, redness, swollen lips, eyelids or face.

• In the digestive system: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.

• In the respiratory system: coughing, sneezing, rhinitis or shortness of breath.

• In severe cases: a drop in blood pressure, dizziness, loss of consciousness or anaphylaxis.

Food anaphylaxis is a generalised, rapid, and life-threatening reaction. It requires urgent medical attention and the immediate administration of adrenaline.

Although living with a food allergy requires constant vigilance, with adequate information and the right diagnosis and treatment, you can live an active, safe life.

At Probelte Pharma, we are working to offer tailored solutions, improve the early detection of severe allergies and further develop personalised immunotherapy to give our patients a better quality of life.

Fungi and moulds are microorganisms that reproduce by producing microscopic spores, which are able to remain suspended in the air and easily penetrate the respiratory tract. In allergic people, inhaling these spores triggers an exaggerated immune response, leading to respiratory symptoms that are similar to those of pollen or dust mite allergies: sneezing, nasal congestion, coughing, itchy eyes and even asthma attacks.

Unlike other seasonal allergens, moulds can be found all year round, especially in damp, poorly ventilated environments. The species most commonly associated with allergic processes include:

• Alternaria

• Aspergillus

• Cladosporium

• Penicillium

These spores can be found both indoors (bathrooms, basements, kitchens, plants, ventilation systems) and outdoors (decaying leaves, gardens, places with damp vegetation).

Reducing exposure to mould spores is critical to managing symptoms. Probelte Pharma recommends taking the following steps inside your home and in your environment:

1. Keep ambient humidity under control, below 50%, through proper ventilation or by using dehumidifiers.

2. Ventilate bathrooms, kitchens and basements every day, especially after showering or cooking, to prevent any build-up of steam.

3. Frequently clean mould-prone surfaces, such as grout lines, walls, ceilings, or shower curtains, using fungicidal products.

4. Avoid drying clothes indoors, as it increases ambient humidity.

5. Check the condition of air conditioning, heating, or humidifier filters to prevent any build-up of mould in the system.

6. Avoid gardening or composting activities, especially on wet days or without adequate protection.

7. Avoid keeping too many houseplants, as their pots can promote mould growth.

8. Consult a healthcare professional to confirm your diagnosis and assess specific treatments to improve your tolerance to this type of allergen.

Insect stings are common, especially during the warmer months, and in most cases they cause mild discomfort. However, in allergic people, the reaction can be much more intense, and even potentially severe.

An allergy occurs when the immune system overreacts to proteins present in the venom of certain insects, especially hymenoptera, such as:

• Bees

• Wasps

• Hornets

After a sting, the immune system identifies the venom as a threat and responds by releasing histamine and other inflammatory substances. This can trigger anything ranging from an intense local reaction (redness, swelling, pain) to severe systemic symptoms, such as shortness of breath, widespread hives or, in extreme cases, anaphylactic shock, a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

Knowing the type of insect responsible and being properly diagnosed by a specialist are essential for proper prevention and treatment.

If you have been diagnosed with an allergy to insect venom, there are various preventive measures that can help you to avoid future reactions and to be prepared if you are exposed. Probelte Pharma recommends that you:

1. Avoid high-risk areas: do not walk barefoot in the countryside, stay away from hives or nests, and avoid outdoor activities during times of increased insect activity (hot days, middle hours of the day).

2. Avoid wearing strong perfumes or brightly-coloured clothing, as they can attract insects.

3. Check your surroundings before sitting in parks, gardens or natural areas. Shake any clothes or blankets that have been on the floor.

4. Take care with drinks and sweet food when outdoors, especially in open cans or bottles.

5. Use insect repellent and clothing that covers most of the body if you are going to be in rural settings.

6. Always carry your prescribed medication, especially if you have been prescribed self-injectable adrenaline. Knowing how to use it correctly and informing the people around you is vital.

7. Consult an allergist about the possibility of starting specific immunotherapy treatment (vaccines) to reduce the risk of serious reactions in the future.

At Probelte Pharma, we develop advanced therapeutic solutions to improve the quality of life of allergic patients. Talk to your specialist and plan ahead so you can safely enjoy the outdoors with complete peace of mind.

Drug allergy occurs when the immune system identifies a drug – or one of its ingredients – as a threat and triggers an exaggerated defensive response. Although any drug can cause an adverse reaction, they are not all due to allergies. Allergic reactions involve an immune mechanism, usually mediated by IgE antibodies or T cells.

The drugs that most commonly cause allergies include:

• Antibiotics (especially penicillins and derivatives)

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or aspirin

• Anticonvulsants

• Iodinated contrast media used in radiological tests

Symptoms can range from mild manifestations such as rashes, itching or hives, to more severe reactions such as respiratory distress, angioedema or anaphylaxis, a severe reaction that requires urgent medical attention.

Early detection, a specialised diagnosis and prevention are essential to protect patients’ health.

If you have been diagnosed with an allergy to one or more drugs, it is essential to take preventive steps to avoid future allergic reactions. Probelte Pharma recommends that you:

1. Always inform healthcare professionals about your allergy. Do this when visiting your doctor, going to the emergency room or before undergoing any medical or dental surgery.

2. Ask for a detailed medical report clearly stating the name of the medicine, the reaction suffered and the approximate date. Keep this document with you, especially if you are travelling.

3. Wear wristbands or carry ID cards that specify your allergy. In the event of an emergency, this information can be vital to avoid mismanagement.

4. Do not take medication while on your own. Even over-the-counter drugs may contain active ingredients that are linked to the drug to which you are allergic.

5. Check the excipients and formulas of the drugs you are prescribed. Some allergens can be found in the inactive ingredients.

6. Visit an allergist for specific diagnostic tests. In some cases, desensitisation or safe therapeutic alternatives may be considered.

7. During hospital treatments or invasive procedures, make sure the medical team is aware and that alternatives are available.

At Probelte Pharma, we follow a personalised approach to healthcare, promoting safe diagnoses and treatments that are tailored to each patient. Prevention is the best tool to avoid complications. If you have any questions, always consult your specialist.

Food additives are substances that are added to foods to preserve them and improve their flavour, colour or texture. Although most are safe for the general population, some people may experience adverse reactions, including allergic or pseudoallergic responses.

Unlike typical allergies, which are mediated by IgE antibodies, many reactions to additives do not involve true immune sensitisation, but may trigger similar symptoms, such as:

• Hives or rashes

• Abdominal pain or diarrhoea

• Asthma or shortness of breath

• Headaches or generally feeling unwell

The additives that most commonly cause this type of reaction are:

• Artificial dyes: such as tartrazine (E-102), linked to urticaria or worsening asthma.

• Preservatives: such as sulphites (E-220 to E-228), which can cause bronchospasms.

• Flavour enhancers: such as monosodium glutamate (E-621), associated with the well-known “Chinese restaurant syndrome”.

• Thickeners or stabilisers: such as carrageenan or certain cellulose derivatives.

Diagnosis requires careful evaluation, as the presence of multiple ingredients in industrial products can make it difficult to identify the additive that is responsible.

If you have been diagnosed with an allergy or intolerance to food additives, it is essential to adopt certain habits to avoid inadvertently consuming them and prevent allergic reactions. Probelte Pharma recommends that you:

1. Carefully read the labelling of all food products. Additives are identified with the letter “E” followed by a number. Familiarise yourself with the ones you should avoid.

2. Favour fresh, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, meats, or fish without any highly-processed dressings.

3. Avoid precooked products, highly-processed sauces, snacks, and processed beverages, which often contain multiple additives.

4. Consult an allergist to confirm your diagnosis through specific tests, especially if you suspect more than one additive or if your reactions are severe.

5. Ask restaurant and canteen staff for detailed information, especially if your allergy is known and potentially severe.

6. Keep with you an up-to-date list of which additives to avoid, and the medicine that you have been prescribed for allergic reactions (antihistamines or adrenaline, if recommended).

7. Keep attending your medical check-ups, as some intolerances may change over time or be associated with other conditions.

At Probelte Pharma we believe that an accurate diagnosis and clear information are vital to prevent unnecessary risks. If you suspect a reaction to additives, do not ignore it: consult a professional and take proper care of your health.