Food allergy and Symptoms |Doctor in the house

Food allergy is an immune system reaction that occurs soon after eating a certain food. Even a tiny amount of the allergy-causing food can trigger signs and symptoms such as digestive problems, hives or swollen airways. In some people, a food allergy can cause severe symptoms or even a life-threatening reaction known as anaphylaxis.

Food allergy affects an estimated 6 to 8 percent of children under age 5, and about 3 to 4 percent of adults. 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.

Symptoms

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. Food allergies can occur even the first time you eat a food.

The most common food allergy symptoms include:

1. Tingling or itching in the mouth
2. Hives, itching or eczema
3. Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat, or other parts of the body
4. Wheezing, nasal congestion or trouble breathing
5. Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting
6. Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting