Immune system reaction to certain foods. Review possible symptoms, contributing factors, assessment, warning signs and care options.
About Food Allergies
Immune system reaction to certain foods
Food allergies occur when the immune system mistakenly identifies a food as harmful and triggers an immune response.
Common allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat.
Editorial update (28 September 2026): structured medical content awaits clinical reviewer sign-off.
How assessment may be approached
A clinician may review the trigger pattern, exposure, symptom timing, severity, medicines and personal or family allergy history. Selected tests may support, but do not replace, a careful history.
Care may include avoidance, treatment of acute symptoms, antihistamine or inhaler plans when appropriate, and a clear emergency action plan if reactions can be severe.
When to seek prompt care
Use emergency care for breathing difficulty, throat or tongue swelling, widespread hives with dizziness or collapse, severe vomiting after exposure, or any suspected anaphylaxis.
Symptoms
- Hives or eczema
- Swelling of lips, face, tongue
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Anaphylaxis (severe)
Possible causes
- Specific food proteins
- Genetic factors
- Immune system sensitivity
Care and treatment options
- Avoidance of allergens
- Epinephrine (for anaphylaxis)
- Antihistamines
- Emergency action plan
Key points
- Affects 8% of children
- Can develop at any age
- Some allergies outgrown
- Severe reactions can be fatal
Preparing for a consultation
- Suspected triggers and exact timing of reactions.
- Foods, medicines, insects or environmental exposures.
- Severity of past reactions and response to treatment.
- Current medicines and any prescribed emergency treatment.
Questions worth asking
- Is Food Allergies the most likely explanation for these symptoms, and what alternatives should be checked?
- Which symptoms or findings would require urgent review?
- Are medicines, underlying health problems or lifestyle factors contributing?
- What tests or examinations are needed now, and what can safely wait?
- What treatment or self-care options are reasonable, and when should I be reviewed again?
- What is the expected benefit, limit, cost and follow-up plan for the suggested care?
Related conditions
Related clinicians
Medical information limitations
This page summarizes listed condition information and cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. Do not start, stop or change prescribed treatment based only on this page.
Common questions
What is Food Allergies?
Immune system reaction to certain foods This is general information; the name describes a possible diagnosis or clinical problem, not a personal diagnosis.
How might a clinician assess Food Allergies?
A clinician may review the trigger pattern, exposure, symptom timing, severity, medicines and personal or family allergy history. Selected tests may support, but do not replace, a careful history.
What care may be discussed?
Care options listed include Avoidance of allergens, Epinephrine (for anaphylaxis), Antihistamines, Emergency action plan. Which option is appropriate depends on the confirmed cause, severity, preferences and contraindications.
When should Food Allergies be checked urgently?
Use emergency care for breathing difficulty, throat or tongue swelling, widespread hives with dizziness or collapse, severe vomiting after exposure, or any suspected anaphylaxis.
How should I prepare for a consultation?
Suspected triggers and exact timing of reactions. Foods, medicines, insects or environmental exposures. Severity of past reactions and response to treatment. Current medicines and any prescribed emergency treatment. Bring previous reports and a current medicine list where relevant.
Can this page diagnose or treat the condition?
No. A page about Food Allergies can help you understand possible features and questions, but it cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. A qualified clinician should assess your symptoms, history and any test results.
General information only; it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a qualified clinician’s advice.