What are the health impacts of long-term exposure to food allergens?

Long-term exposure to food allergens can lead to a higher risk of severe allergic reactions. This is due to the body potentially becoming more sensitized to the allergenic proteins over time. In some cases, with continued exposure, individuals may experience anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction that requires immediate medical attention. This heightened sensitivity can result in unpredictable and severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, swelling, and gastrointestinal distress when the allergen is encountered.

While the other options may have some context in allergy and food-related discussions, they do not accurately depict the health consequences of long-term exposure to food allergens. For instance, increased tolerance can occur in some cases with certain allergens, but this is not a reliable or universal outcome of long-term exposure. Similarly, development of new allergies may occur due to various factors but is not a direct result of long-term exposure to a specific food allergen. Altered taste preferences may happen for various reasons but is unrelated to the health impacts associated with food allergies. The emphasis on the severe risk connected with long-term exposure underscores the seriousness of managing food allergies effectively.