Food allergies impact millions of people worldwide, from mild skin reactions to severe symptoms. This page gives you a simple, reliable overview of what causes food allergies, how to recognize them, and how to stay prepared.
What are food allergies?
Food allergies occur when the immune system reacts to proteins found in certain foods. Instead of tolerating these foods, the body identifies them as a threat and triggers an allergic reaction. These reactions can range from mild discomfort to severe, life-threatening symptoms such as anaphylaxis.
Food allergies are different from food intolerances:
Discover helpful guides, deep-dive articles, and practical tips to better understand food allergies and how to manage them safely. These resources cover symptoms, testing, common allergens, rare allergies, and everyday strategies to reduce reactions.
Everything you need to know about managing your allergies
What is the difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance?
Food allergies activate the immune system and may cause severe reactions.
Food intolerances affect digestion and do not involve the immune system. Common intolerances include lactose intolerance and gluten sensitivity.
What should you do if you think you have a food allergy?
Stop eating the suspected food, note your symptoms, and consult an allergist for proper testing. For severe symptoms (breathing problems, swelling, dizziness), seek emergency help immediately.
How long does a food allergy reaction last?
Most mild to moderate reactions last from a few minutes up to several hours. Skin symptoms like hives may last 24–48 hours. Severe reactions like anaphylaxis require emergency treatment and may have lingering symptoms for days. Always seek medical help if symptoms escalate.
How are food allergies tested?
Food allergies are tested using:
Skin prick testing
Blood tests (specific IgE testing)
Elimination diets
Oral food challenges (gold standard, done under medical supervision)
At-home allergy tests can provide basic insights, but they are not a replacement for clinical diagnosis.
How to tell if you have a food allergy?
Typical signs include:
Hives or food allergy rash
Itching or swelling
Stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting
Trouble breathing
Tingling in the mouth If symptoms consistently occur after eating the same food, speak to an allergist for testing.
Are food allergies permanent?
Some allergies—like milk, egg, wheat, and soy—are often outgrown during childhood. Allergies such as peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish are more likely to persist into adulthood. Regular checkups with an allergist can track changes.
Can food allergies cause skin reactions?
Yes. Food allergies frequently cause hives, eczema flare-ups, redness, itching, and swelling. Rashes may appear minutes to hours after eating the trigger food.
Can you suddenly become allergic to food you’ve eaten for years?
Yes. Adults can develop new allergies due to changes in the immune system, viral infections, environmental factors, or cross-reactivity with pollen-related allergens.
Can food allergies be cured?
There is no complete cure. However, treatments like oral immunotherapy (OIT) may reduce sensitivity in certain cases. Talk to a specialist before starting any treatment program.
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