Food allergy
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Food allergy
A food allergy is an abnormal response to a food by your immune system. A food allergy may cause itching and swelling; red, raised skin bumps (hives); wheezing or difficulty breathing; and in rare cases, severe anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening.
True food allergies are rare. Most reactions to foods are caused by food intolerances, reactions to food additives, or food poisoning. Food allergies are most common in children, but most children outgrow food allergies within a few years.
Foods that most often cause allergic reactions are:
- Peanuts.
- Tree nuts such as walnuts and almonds.
- Shellfish and fish.
- Eggs.
- Wheat.
- Soy products.
- Milk.
Credits
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Harold S. Nelson, MD - Allergy and Immunology |
| Last Updated | April 5, 2007 |
| Last updated: | April 05, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Harold S. Nelson, MD - Allergy and Immunology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC |
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