What Are The Symptoms of Food Allergies?

Although much of the media attention on food allergies has gone to the rise of these issues in children, food allergies can develop any time in your life. A food you once enjoyed without incident may suddenly cause any of a number of problems.

Unless you know what you’re looking for, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a symptom of an illness and a symptom of a food allergy. 

Here are some of the most common symptoms of food allergies, and what to do if you experience them:

Common Symptoms

For some allergy sufferers, the symptoms of their allergy can be uncomfortable but not severe. 

Many food allergy symptoms develop shortly after consuming an offending food, usually within a few minutes to two hours.

Some common but not overly severe symptoms of food allergies include:

• Tingling or itching in the mouth

• Hives, itching, or rash

• Minor swelling of the lips, tongue, face, throat, or other parts of the body

• Nasal congestion

• Abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting

As long as the person experiencing the allergic reaction can breathe and talk, they likely don’t need immediate medical attention. Taking an antihistamine should, for most people, reduce the experience of these symptoms.

If this is the person’s first time experiencing symptoms of a food allergy, they should visit their doctor or a specialist for allergy testing to determine the cause.

Anaphylaxis

Some allergy sufferers experience extreme reactions, which can be dangerous and life-threatening.

Some symptoms of a more severe, anaphylactic reaction include:

• Severe swelling

• Wheezing or trouble breathing

• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting

• Constriction and tightening of the airways

• Shock with a severe drop in blood pressure

• Rapid pulse

• Loss of consciousness

In the case of anaphylaxis, immediate emergency medical attention is necessary. Untreated anaphylaxis can lead to a coma or even death.

Allergy Testing and Treatment in Mississippi

Food allergies are nothing to ignore. You need a quick, thorough diagnosis and individualized treatment plan to help you understand the cause of your allergies and how to effectively manage them. 

At the Mississippi Asthma & Allergy Clinic, our team of skilled, experienced allergy doctors has what you need to quickly diagnose your food allergies. We devise unique treatment plans to address your specific triggers and concerns, helping you manage your allergies. We offer allergy testing and treatment at each of our five locations throughout Mississippi.