Common Food Allergy Symptoms

Food allergies can be so mild that a person doesn't even know she's allergic. Or they can lead to very severe reactions that can cause death. See a doctor if you experience symptoms of food allergies so that he can order tests that can identify which foods you are allergic to and recommend treatment. If you have severe allergic reaction symptoms such as difficulty breathing, go to the emergency room or call 911 immediately.

Tingling in the Mouth

Usually within a couple of hours of eating a food that you are allergic to, you experience a tingling sensation in your mouth, on your tongue and in your throat. This is the first symptom of an allergic reaction to a type of food.

Itching

Itching of the skin and hives are common symptoms of food allergies. You may also feel an itching sensation in your mouth and on your tongue. This happens as your immune system deems a certain food a threat to your body and releases histamine to combat its dangers. Avoid scratching, as histamine can become trapped underneath your fingernails and spread to other areas of your body.

Stomach Problems

If you consume a food that you're allergic to, your body has trouble digesting it. You'll most likely experience nausea within a couple of hours of eating the food. You may also experience vomiting. As the food is digested, intestinal discomfort may result, leading to diarrhea.

References

Article reviewed by Anton Alden Last updated on: Jan 10, 2010

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