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Food Allergy
A food allergy is when the immune system reacts to a particular food, sometimes seriously. Common triggers include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish and shellfish.
Causes & risk factors
- Immune system reacting to a food protein
- Common triggers: nuts, milk, egg, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish
- A family or personal history of allergies
- Eczema or other allergic conditions
- Sometimes developing in adulthood
Common symptoms
- Itching or tingling in the mouth
- Hives or rash
- Swelling of lips, face or throat
- Nausea, vomiting or stomach cramps
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
Tests & diagnosis
- Skin prick allergy test
- Specific IgE blood test
- Supervised food challenge
- Keeping a food and symptom diary
Treatment & management
- Strictly avoiding the trigger food
- Reading food labels carefully
- Antihistamines for mild reactions
- An adrenaline auto-injector for those at risk of anaphylaxis
- An allergy action plan agreed with your doctor
When to see a doctor urgently
- Swelling of the throat, difficulty breathing or collapse — call your local emergency number now
- Use an adrenaline auto-injector if prescribed, then seek emergency care
- A widespread reaction after eating a food
- Repeated reactions needing formal allergy testing
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about food allergy. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Is food intolerance the same as food allergy?
No. Intolerance (like lactose intolerance) causes discomfort but not an immune reaction, while a true allergy can be serious or life-threatening.
Can children outgrow food allergies?
Some, like milk and egg allergies, are often outgrown, while others such as nut allergies tend to persist. Your doctor can advise on retesting.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.