Foods that cause allergies

A food allergy is an immune reaction to a food protein. Symptoms may begin soon after eating and can include hives, swelling of the lips or face, vomiting, wheezing, or an itchy throat. A reaction can occur even after a small amount of the trigger, and a previous mild reaction does not predict the next reaction. Food intolerance is different: it may cause digestive symptoms without the same immune response. Anaphylaxis is a severe, rapidly developing allergic reaction affecting breathing, circulation, or more than one body system.

Write down the food, ingredients, portion, timing, and symptoms after each episode. Check labels carefully and avoid deliberately testing a suspected allergen at home. Book an assessment with an allergy clinician, who may recommend allergy testing alongside a detailed history. If an adrenaline auto-injector has been prescribed, keep it available and learn its use. Tell restaurants and caregivers about confirmed allergies and ask how cross-contact is prevented.

Call emergency services immediately for trouble breathing, throat or tongue swelling, faintness, collapse, widespread symptoms, or rapidly worsening symptoms after eating. Use prescribed emergency medicine as instructed and do not wait to see whether the reaction settles. An urgent assessment is needed even if symptoms improve, because a severe reaction can recur.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest allergy, intolerance, or another cause; which tests are useful; and which foods need avoidance. Ask for an emergency action plan, advice about labels and cross-contact, and whether close contacts should learn how to respond.