Irritability Syndrome

Irritability is known to result from stress, fatigue or lack of sleep. Another cause can be related to the types of food a person eats. Food-related allergies can affect the body, as well as the mind. Allergic irritability syndrome is the name given to a set of symptoms that result from eating certain foods.

Identification

• Allergy symptoms that persist for long periods of time can take a toll on the body and mind. It's not uncommon for symptoms involving constant congestion and itchiness to leave a person feeling stressed and tired. Allergic irritability syndrome---also known as tension fatigue syndrome---is a condition where certain proteins, food additives, or dairy products cause an allergic reaction in the body. Allergic reactions occur when the body's immune system mistakes a natural material as a threat to the body.

Function

• The symptoms experienced with allergic irritability syndrome are related to central nervous system imbalances that result from the body's reaction to certain foods. These effects can be mild, moderate or severe. The feelings of fatigue associated with this condition are present all the time, whether a person is exerting herself or not. The difference is the fatigue symptoms associated with stress, or physical exertion can be connected with the situations and activities that trigger a person's symptoms.

Symptoms

• The symptoms associated with allergic irritability syndrome can be quite similar to those experienced by someone who has depression. Symptoms can become so severe as to even trigger actual episodes of depression. Individuals can experience muscle aches and pains, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and an overall feeling of mental and physical sluggishness. Tension fatigue syndrome can affect children, as well as adults. Symptoms experienced by children may come in the form of aggression, hyperactivity, or episodes of crying.

Food Sensitivities

• Allergic irritability syndrome may appear on an intermittent basis, oftentimes occurring alongside a gastrointestinal problem like gas or indigestion. Physical signs of this include nasal congestion, bags under the eyes, abdominal pain and fatigue. Foods which trigger these reactions act like antigens in that they trigger immune responses within the stomach's flora. Foods which trigger tension fatigue syndrome include corn, milk, sugar, eggs, chocolate and food coloring. Corn, wheat, milk and chocolate are the most common food types known to trigger tension fatigue syndrome.

Treatment

• Treatment for allergic irritability syndrome begins with a complete physical examination and blood testing. Food allergies are then identified through a process of elimination in which certain food types are eliminated from the diet one by one. Individuals are advised to observe how their body responds in the absence of certain foods. During this time, allergy medications should be avoided so any allergic reactions to foods that occur can be identified. Once foods which cause allergic reactions are removed from the diet, a gradual decrease in symptoms may occur. In some cases, conditions like hypothyroidism, diabetes and hypoglycemia may accompany tension fatigue syndrome.