Food allergy is an immune system reaction that occurs soon after eating a certain food.
In some people, a food allergy can cause severe symptoms or even a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis.
While there’s no cure, some children outgrow their food allergy as they get older.
It’s easy to confuse a food allergy with a much more common reaction known as food intolerance.
While bothersome, food intolerance is a less serious condition that does not involve the immune system.
For some people, an allergic reaction to a particular food may be uncomfortable but not severe.
For other people, an allergic food reaction can be frightening and even life-threatening.
Food allergy symptoms usually develop within a few minutes to two hours after eating the offending food.
This can cause life-threatening signs and symptoms, including:
Emergency treatment is critical for anaphylaxis.
Untreated, anaphylaxis can cause a coma or even death.
See a doctor or allergist if you have food allergy symptoms shortly after eating.
If possible, see your doctor when the allergic reaction is occurring.
This will help your doctor make a diagnosis.
These chemicals cause allergy symptoms.
Also known as oral allergy syndrome, pollen-food allergy syndrome affects many people who have hay fever.
In serious cases, the reaction results in swelling of the throat or even anaphylaxis.
This is an example of cross-reactivity.
When you cook foods that trigger pollen-food allergy syndrome, your symptoms may be less severe.
Eating certain foods may cause some people to feel itchy and lightheaded soon after starting to exercise.
Serious cases may even involve hives or anaphylaxis.
Not eating for a couple of hours before exercising and avoiding certain foods may help prevent this problem.
Lactose intolerance can cause bloating, cramping, diarrhea, and excess gas.
Food poisoning.Sometimes food poisoning can mimic an allergic reaction.
Bacteria in spoiled tuna and other fish also can make a toxin that triggers harmful reactions.
Sensitivity to food additives.Some people have digestive reactions and other symptoms after eating certain food additives.
Rather than an allergic reaction, this is known as histamine toxicity or scombroid poisoning.
Celiac disease.While celiac disease is sometimes referred to as a gluten allergy, it does not result in anaphylaxis.
Age.Food allergies are more common in children, especially toddlers and infants.
Fortunately, children typically outgrow allergies to milk, soy, wheat, and eggs.
Severe allergies and allergies to nuts and shellfish are more likely to be lifelong.
Asthma.Asthma and food allergy commonly occur together.
When they do, both food allergy and asthma symptoms are more likely to be severe.
Your doctor will consider a number of factors before making a diagnosis.
Your family history of allergies.Also share information about members of your family who have allergies of any kind.
A physical examination.A careful exam can often identify or exclude other medical problems.
A skin test.A skin prick test can determine your reaction to a particular food.
If you’re allergic to a particular substance being tested, you develop a raised bump or reaction.
Keep in mind, a positive reaction to this test alone isn’t enough to confirm a food allergy.
This process can help link symptoms to specific foods.
However, elimination diets aren’t foolproof.
The only way to avoid an allergic reaction is to avoid the foods that cause signs and symptoms.
However, despite your best efforts, you may come into contact with a food that causes a reaction.
For a minor allergic reaction,over-the-counter or prescribed antihistamines may help reduce symptoms.
These drugs can be taken after exposure to an allergy-causing food to help relieve itching or hives.
However, antihistamines can’t treat a severe allergic reaction.
Many people with allergies carry an epinephrine autoinjector (Adrenaclick, EpiPen).
The drug is currently being studied for treatment of allergic asthma and food allergies.
It has been associated with a potential increased risk of anaphylaxis.
Oral immunotherapy.Researchers have been studying the use of oral immunotherapy as a treatment for food allergy.
Small doses of the food you’re allergic to are swallowed or placed under your tongue (sublingual).
The dose of the allergy-provoking food is gradually increased.
Initial results look promising, even in people with peanut, egg, and milk allergies.
But more research needs to be done to ensure that this treatment is safe.
These findings may impact food allergy guidelines in the future.
Research on alternative food allergy treatments is limited.
However, many people do try them and claim that certain treatments help.
Here’s some information to help you get ready for your appointment and what to expect from your doctor.
List your questions from most important to least important in case time runs out.
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions.
If you do eat the food and have a mild reaction, over-the-counter antihistamines may help relieve symptoms.
If you have a more severe reaction and any signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, seek emergency help.
One of the keys to preventing an allergic reaction is to completely avoid the food that causes your symptoms.
Don’t assume.Always read food labels to double-check they don’t contain an ingredient you’re allergic to.
Even if you think you know what’s in a food, check the label.
Food labels are required to clearly list whether they contain any common food allergens.
A food allergy can be a source of ongoing concern that affects life at home, school and work.
Some are specifically for parents of children with food allergies.
The Food Allergy Research & Education website can direct you to support groups and events in your area.
The best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to know and avoid foods that cause signs and symptoms.
For some people, this is a mere inconvenience, but others find it a greater hardship.
Also, some foodswhen used as ingredients in certain dishesmay be well-hidden.
This is especially true in restaurants and in other social tweaks.
Don’t be reluctant to make your needs known.
Restaurant staff members are usually more than happy to help when they clearly understand your request.
