Frequently Asked Questions
Food allergies occur when the immune system reacts to certain proteins in food, causing symptoms ranging from mild to severe.
Common allergens include milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish, and shellfish.
Symptoms include hives, itching, swelling, digestive issues, wheezing, nasal congestion, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
Diagnosis is done through medical history, elimination diets, skin prick tests, and blood tests like IgE testing.
There is no cure, but management includes avoiding allergens, reading food labels, and carrying emergency medication like epinephrine.
Some children may outgrow allergies to milk, eggs, soy, or wheat, but allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, or shellfish are often lifelong.
Anaphylaxis is a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can include difficulty breathing, swelling, low blood pressure, and loss of consciousness.
Yes, adults can develop new food allergies even if they had no issues with that food before.
No, food intolerances involve digestive issues, while allergies involve the immune system reacting to the food.
See a doctor if you suspect a food allergy, especially if symptoms are severe, recurrent, or involve breathing difficulties or swelling.