Symptoms of Food Allergy

Food allergy as the name itself tells is the allergy that is caused by consumption of certain foods. Anyone can have a food allergy, but is most commonly found in children than adults. In case of food allergies, the food prompts the immune system, producing a response to the food, which can cause severe and even life-threatening symptoms. The symptoms of food allergy occur within a few minutes after eating.

Food allergy is often confused with food poisoning or food intolerance. Some of the foods that cause allergy may include milk, eggs, wheat, fish, soy and nuts. Symptoms of food allergy may vary with the person, type of food and eating time. Symptoms of food allergy may affect many parts of the skin. Food allergies most often involve skin, respiratory systems (mouth and airways) and digestive systems (stomach and intestines). Sometimes it may also cause life-threatening reactions like anaphylaxis.

Symptoms of Food Allergy

The first symptom of food allergy is itching and swelling in the mouth, tongue, throat and difficulty in swallowing and breathing.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms of Food Allergy

Gastrointestinal or digestive symptoms may begin during digestion of the food in the stomach and intestines. They involve:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Rectal bleeding

Respiratory Symptoms of Food Allergy

The most commonly observed respiratory symptoms of food allergy involves:

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Breathing problems due to closing of the throat

Sometimes when the allergens reach the lungs, it may even lead to asthma.

Skin Symptoms of Food Allergy

Skin symptoms are observed when the allergens reach the skin. The most commonly observed skin symptoms of food allergy include:

• Swelling
• Skin irritations
• Eczema (Itchy, scaly rash) or Atopic dermatitis
• Hives
• Redness

Life-threatening Reactions Caused due to Food Allergy

Life-threatening reactions may involve all parts of the body even cardiovascular systems. When the allergens travel through blood vessels they may cause anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction in which there is a sudden drop in blood pressure. These reactions are severe but may start with mild symptoms as itching or tingling in the mouth and abdominal pain. It may also lead to unconsciousness and shortness of breath. Anaphylaxis may be caused in rare cases but can be fatal if not treated earlier.