Stomach pain is a characteristic symptom of a food allergy, according to MayoClinic.com. Food allergies are most common in children under the age of three. Only about 4 percent of adults suffer from a food allergy. Stomach pain from a food allergy will be accompanied by other food allergy symptoms. If the stomach pain is the only symptom, it may be a sign of another condition. If you experience stomach pain after eating, talk with a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Background
MedlinePlus defines a food allergy as an exaggerated immune response to proteins in specific foods. The immune system defends the body from harmful substances, such as bacteria and viruses. The immune system in a person with a food allergy mistakes the proteins in the food for harmful substances and reacts by producing IgE antibodies. Antibodies in the blood cause the mast cells, found in the tissues, to produce histamine, the chemical known for causing allergy symptoms.
Stomach Pain Symptoms
Stomach discomfort from a food allergy typically occurs in the form of bloating, gas, vomiting, diarrhea, pain and nausea. The increased levels of histamine in the digestive tract lead to inflammation and irritation that causes the bowel to react. Most of the pain is the result of increased gas and cramping in the gut. According to Ground Floor Health, one of the foods that cause allergies with stomach pain most often is cow's milk.
Other Symptoms
Other food allergy symptoms include asthma, nasal congestion and skin reactions, according to MayoClinic.com. Asthma symptoms include wheezing, coughing and the inability to breathe. Nasal congestion can cause increased mucus production, postnasal drip, a stuffy nose and sinus headaches. Skin reactions that commonly develop from a food allergy are hives, eczema and itching. Allergies can cause extreme itching and produce inflamed skin rashes that are red and elevated.
Treatment
Stomach pain from a food allergy is only effectively treated by avoiding the foods that the person is allergic to, according to MedlinePlus. Over-the-counter digestive medications will not alleviate stomach pain and discomfort from a food allergy.
Considerations
Food intolerance and a food allergy can both cause similar symptoms in the digestive tract. A food intolerance does not involved the immune system, but is exclusively concentrated in the digestive system. A food intolerance is caused by the body's inability to produce the proper enzymes to break down the particular food. Food intolerance can cause bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhea, foul smelling stool and gas. Talk with a doctor for proper testing to determine the condition causing your symptoms.
