Veal Allergy Symptoms

The eight most common food allergies are to tree nuts (i.e., walnuts, pecans, cashews), peanuts, dairy, eggs, fish, shellfish, wheat, and soy products. However, occasionally someone will exhibit an allergy to a food such as red meat. As with most food allergies, an adverse reaction to a red meat such as veal is most likely to occur when the allergic person eats the food. It is important to note, though, that some particularly sensitive people will have an allergic reaction by touching or just being near the food to which they are allergic. Know these common veal allergy symptoms so that you may take appropriate action if you or someone around you is experiencing a reaction.

Upset Stomach

• An upset stomach is a common component of an allergic reaction to veal. After an allergic person puts veal into her digestive tract, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps and abdominal pain may occur. The upset stomach may be as mild as some nausea or as extreme as a combination of all of the symptoms. An allergic reaction is not the only reason an upset stomach may occur. Sometimes sensitivity to a certain food product isn't necessarily considered an allergy. Also, an illness like gastroenteritis can cause an upset stomach. Stomach illnesses can be dehydrating; it is important to drink extra water when suffering those symptoms.

Hives

• A rash such as hives may appear as a result of an allergic reaction to veal. Hives look like a group of mosquito bites and can be tiny to very large in size. Hives are typically itchy and may sting or burn as well. Wearing loose clothing and applying a cold compress to the afflicted area can help soothe hives.

Breathing Problems

• Sometimes a veal allergy can cause breathing problems such as a clogged nose and wheezing. However, an allergic person may also experience a breathing problem due to swelling of soft tissues in the mouth and throat. When swelling of soft tissues occurs in the mouth and throat, it also often occurs on the eyelids, face, and lips. Regardless of what specific symptom is causing breathing problems, medical assistance should be sought immediately because the condition may worsen and entirely block a person's air passages.

Itching

• A veal allergy may cause one's eyes, throat and mouth to feel itchy. The itch may or may not correlate with swelling. To be safe, keep an eye on the allergic person to make sure that his face is not swelling. If swelling does occur, seek medical assistance immediately.

Anaphylaxis

• Sometimes an allergic reaction can progress to anaphylaxis, a whole-body reaction that is severe and can be life-threatening. Anaphylaxis can lead to anaphylactic shock, which typically involves extremely low-blood pressure and rapid airway constriction. This constriction can lead to respiratory failure or respiratory arrest. Anyone who experiences anaphylaxis needs professional emergency medical care and will probably receive a dose of epinephrine, which helps combat the severe symptoms. Some patients who are susceptible to anaphylaxis will be directed to carry a dose of epinephrine in case he needs immediate care. The dose device (often an EpiPen) only helps with temporary, limited symptom relief and medical help should still be sought in the event of anaphylactic shock.

Tip

• Many food allergies exhibit the same symptoms so if you experience any or all of the issues mentioned in this article, you may not necessarily be allergic to veal. Consider everything you have consumed in the past few days and make a note of when you started experiencing allergy-like symptoms. If you notice that there is a specific correlation between eating veal and having symptoms, you may indeed be allergic to veal.