What is it?

  • People with food allergies have an allergic reaction when they come in contact with certain foods. This happens because their immune system overreacts to the proteins in that food. 
  • Eight kinds of food cause most food allergies: Cow’s milk, Eggs, Peanuts, Wheat, Soy, Fish, Shellfish, Tree nuts
  • Signs of a food allergy include:
    • A rash, or red, itchy skin
    • Stuffy or itchy nose, sneezing, or itchy and teary eyes
    • Vomiting, stomach cramps or diarrhea
    • Angioedema or swelling
    • Hoarseness, throat tightness or a lump in the throat
    • Wheezing, chest tightness or trouble breathing
  • Some people with food allergies can have a serious reaction called anaphylaxis. 
  • It is common for people and even some healthcare providers to misdiagnose the difference between food allergy and food intolerance. Food allergy can result in a life-threatening allergic reaction. On the other hand, a misdiagnosis could mean that you are unnecessarily limiting what you eat.

Information from aaaai.org