Allergy > Food Allergy

A food allergy, or food hypersensitivity, is an unusual reaction to a foodstuff triggered by our immune system. An allergy to a food shows its symptoms very rapidly, usually within minutes of consumption or even touching the food.

Food Allergy Symtoms

Symptoms of food allergy may include inflammation of the face and tongue; a itchiness called hives which is like a nettle rash; breathing difficulties; runny nose and eyes; eczema, rhinorrheaa (nasal drip); inflammation of the throat, stomach  pain and bowel disorder, nausea and vomiting and could lead to life threatening collapse (Anaphylaxis).

A food allergy triggers itself when a reaction occurs after contact with a particular food to which you have taken in this food before in some form. Your body sees the food as a unknown substance and mounts an attack against the protein from the foods by producing IgE antibodies through your immune system.

Food Allergy Patterns

Food allergy patterns in adults can be different from those in children. The most widespread foods to cause allergies in adults are shrimp, lobster, crab, and other shellfish; peanuts (one of the chief foods responsible for severe anaphylaxis); walnuts and other tree nuts; fish; and eggs.  Adults generally do not drop their allergies with age.

Food allergy in children is usually due to  eggs, milk, peanuts, soy and wheat. Children typically outgrow their allergies to milk, egg, soy and wheat, while food allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shrimp usually are not outgrown.

Food allergy can typically be diagnosed from skin and blood tests. Many treatments can be used to manage food allergies - so contact your doctor to make sure you have the most appropriate food allergy treatment.

Expert Allergy Advice