What should you know about different types of food allergies?

Immediate reactions often begin soon after eating and may include hives, facial swelling, wheezing, vomiting or an itchy throat. A food allergy is different from food intolerance: intolerance can cause digestive discomfort without the same immune mechanism. Some reactions are mild at first but can progress quickly. Anaphylaxis can affect breathing, circulation and several body systems at once.

Common triggers include milk, egg, peanut, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish and shellfish, although any food can be involved. The same person may react to more than one food, and a reaction can occur even after earlier exposures caused no trouble.

Stop eating the suspected food and record what was eaten, the amount, timing and symptoms. Do not deliberately test the food again at home. Arrange an assessment for a clear diagnosis; allergy testing may be considered alongside the history. Until reviewed, check labels and ask about ingredients when eating outside the home.

If a clinician has prescribed an adrenaline auto-injector, keep it accessible and follow the personal action plan. Family, school or workplace contacts should know how to recognise a serious reaction.

Call emergency services immediately for trouble breathing, throat or tongue swelling, faintness, confusion, widespread symptoms, or rapidly worsening symptoms. These can indicate anaphylaxis and need emergency treatment. An itchy throat after food should be treated seriously if it is accompanied by breathing or circulation changes.

Ask which food is most likely responsible, whether testing is appropriate, how to avoid hidden ingredients, and whether you need an emergency action plan or adrenaline device.