Food Allergies
Symptoms usually start as soon as a few minutes after eating a food and as long as two hours after. In some cases, after the first symptoms go away, a second wave of symptoms comes back one to four hours later (or sometimes even longer). This second wave is called a biphasic reaction.
Food allergies happen when the immune system – the body's defense against infection – mistakenly treats proteins found in food as a threat. As a result, a number of chemicals are released. It's these chemicals that cause the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
The most common food allergy signs and symptoms include:
- Tingling or itching in the mouth.
- Hives, itching or eczema.
- Swelling of the lips, face, tongue and throat or other parts of the body.
- Wheezing, nasal congestion or trouble breathing.
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting.
- Dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting.
Eight things cause about 90% of food allergy reactions:
- Milk (mostly in children)
- Eggs.
- Peanuts.
- Tree nuts, like walnuts, almonds, pine nuts, brazil nuts, and pecans.
- Soy.
- Wheat.
- Fish (mostly in adults)
- Shellfish (mostly in adults)
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