Food Allergy Basics
A food allergy is an abnormal response to a food triggered by your body's immune system.
While any food can cause an allergic reaction to an individual at any time, in adults, the most common foods that trigger allergic reactions include fish, shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts, such as walnuts. For children, the most common problematic foods can include eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, soy and wheat.
While any food can cause an allergic reaction to an individual at any time, in adults, the most common foods that trigger allergic reactions include fish, shellfish, peanuts, and tree nuts, such as walnuts. For children, the most common problematic foods can include eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, soy and wheat.
A food allergic reaction can occur within minutes to eating the allergen but may also occur several hours later. A small amount of an allergy-causing food can trigger symptoms of a reaction. Symptoms of a food allergy reaction include:
- Hives or red, itchy skin
- Stuffy or itchy nose, sneezing or itchy, teary eyes
- Vomiting, stomach cramps or diarrhea
- Angioedema or swelling
Anaphylaxis
In some individuals, a food allergy can cause a severe symptom called anaphylaxis (an-a-fi-LAK-sis) and has the potential to be life-threatening. Foods, insect stings, medications and latex are the causes of most anaphylactic reactions. Signs of anaphylaxis include[1]:
- Hoarseness, throat tightness or a lump in the throat
- Wheezing, chest tightness or trouble breathing
- Tingling in the hands, feet, lips or scalp
WHEN IN DOUBT
USE EPINEPHRINE AND SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION
USE EPINEPHRINE AND SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION
8 Common Food Allergens
In the United State, the top 8 food allergens account for 90 percent of food allergic reactions. These are known as the "top 8" common foods allergens. Some of the allergens may be outgrown, but others, such as peanut and shellfish, usually remain lifelong allergies. While the U.S. recognizes these as top 8 allergens, other countries may recognize up to 10 common foods allergens, including sesame and mustard, for example. The top 8 common food allergens in the U.S. are:
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Testing for Food Allergies
Be prepared to describe to your allergist the history of symptoms. According to Medline Plus, "Your health care provider may use a detailed history, elimination diet, and skin and blood tests to diagnose a food allergy." Therefore, keeping a food and symptom journal may be helpful during the appointment.
More details about diagnostic tests can be found on the following websites:
Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology: https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/allergies/food-allergies
Medline Plus: https://medlineplus.gov/foodallergy.html
Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE): https://www.foodallergy.org
Kids with Food Allergies (KFA): https://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/
Food Allergy Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT): https://www.foodallergyawareness.org
Academy of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology: https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/allergies/food-allergies
Medline Plus: https://medlineplus.gov/foodallergy.html
Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE): https://www.foodallergy.org
Kids with Food Allergies (KFA): https://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/
Food Allergy Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT): https://www.foodallergyawareness.org
Treatment & Management
Successful daily management of food allergies will depend on the on the appropriate diagnosis by an allergies/immunologist. Note that there is no cure for food allergies nor are there medications to prevent food allergies from occurring. However, there are strategies that can help with managing food allergies.
NOTE: Antihistamines should be given as a secondary course of treatment. Giving antihistamines instead of epinephrine during anaphylaxis may place you at a significantly increased risk for a fatality. Antihistamines are helpful after epinephrine is given to relieve itching and hives. However, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, "...For milder reaction, antihistamines may help relieve symptoms. Be sure to discuss this approach with your allergist/immunologist." Therefore, because each allergic patient is unique with a variety of individual health needs, please discuss the best treatment plan for your food allergies with your allergist/immunologist.
- Avoid the food or coming in contact with the food that triggers the allergy.
- Become familiar with the Food Allergy Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA).
- Have your allergist complete an Emergency Anaphylaxis Plan, also known as an Emergency Food Allergy Action Plan or Allergy Action Plan. Download an a copy from FARE, https://www.foodallergy.org/life-with-food-allergies/food-allergy-anaphylaxis-emergency-care-plan.
- Carry two epinephrine auto-injectors with you at all times.
- Become familiar with the signs and symptoms of an allergy, as well as how to use the epinephrine auto-injector.
- Use the epinephrine when you suspect an anaphylactic reaction has occurred. If you have used your epinephrine, seek medical attention immediately.
NOTE: Antihistamines should be given as a secondary course of treatment. Giving antihistamines instead of epinephrine during anaphylaxis may place you at a significantly increased risk for a fatality. Antihistamines are helpful after epinephrine is given to relieve itching and hives. However, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, "...For milder reaction, antihistamines may help relieve symptoms. Be sure to discuss this approach with your allergist/immunologist." Therefore, because each allergic patient is unique with a variety of individual health needs, please discuss the best treatment plan for your food allergies with your allergist/immunologist.
REFERENCES
"Food Allergy Symptoms & Diagnosis", American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/allergies/food-allergies.
"Food Allergy", Medline Plus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, (2018 June 28), https://medlineplus.gov/foodallergy.html.
"Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy in the United States Summary for Patients, Families, and Caregivers", U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, (2011, May), https://www.niaid.nih.gov/sites/default/files/faguidelinespatient.pdf.
Page updated 12/06/18
"Food Allergy Symptoms & Diagnosis", American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/allergies/food-allergies.
"Food Allergy", Medline Plus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, (2018 June 28), https://medlineplus.gov/foodallergy.html.
"Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Food Allergy in the United States Summary for Patients, Families, and Caregivers", U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, (2011, May), https://www.niaid.nih.gov/sites/default/files/faguidelinespatient.pdf.
Page updated 12/06/18
