What are the first signs of food allergy?

A food allergy is an immune reaction to a food protein. Symptoms may affect one area, such as an Itchy Throat or skin, or several systems at once. Facial Swelling, hives, tingling in the mouth, nausea, abdominal pain or diarrhoea can begin after exposure. A reaction can become more severe, with throat tightness, trouble breathing, weak pulse, confusion or collapse. Food intolerance can cause digestive symptoms without the same immune pattern, so the timing and combination of symptoms are useful details for a clinician.

Stop eating the suspected food and record what it was, how much was eaten, when symptoms began and what happened next. Seek medical advice after a suspected reaction, even if symptoms settle, so the diagnosis and avoidance plan are clear. Do not deliberately eat the food again to test it. Allergy Testing may be considered by a clinician; home testing and broad food restriction can give misleading results or create nutritional problems.

Call emergency services immediately for breathing difficulty, throat or tongue swelling, faintness, collapse, widespread symptoms, or rapidly worsening symptoms. These can indicate Anaphylaxis. If an adrenaline auto-injector has been prescribed, use it according to the emergency plan and seek emergency care; do not wait to see whether symptoms improve. Keep the person lying down if faint, unless breathing is easier sitting up.

Does this reaction fit Food Allergy or another cause? Should I have Allergy Testing? Which foods or ingredients should I avoid? Do I need an emergency plan or adrenaline device?