Food Allergy

A food allergy is an abnormal response, triggered by the body's immune system, to a food. Symptoms can include itching in the mouth, vomiting, hives, and asthma. In some cases, the reaction can be so severe that it causes serious illness, or even death. Sometimes people suspect a food allergy, when in fact they are experiencing another type of reaction called "food intolerance." Food allergy treatment usually involves avoiding the food that triggers the reaction.

 

An Overview of Food Allergy

Food allergy affects up to 6 to 8 percent of children under the age of three, and two percent of adults. Approximately 30,000 consumers require emergency room treatment and 150 Americans die each year because of allergic reactions to food.
 
If you have an unpleasant reaction to something you have eaten, you might wonder if you have a food allergy. One out of three people either believe they have a food allergy or modify their or their family's diet because of this belief. However, while food allergy is commonly suspected, healthcare providers diagnose a food allergy less frequently than most people believe.
 

What Is a Food Allergy?

A food allergy is an abnormal response, triggered by the body's immune system, to a food. Allergic reactions to food can cause serious illness and, in some cases, death. Therefore, if you have a food allergy, it is extremely important for you to work with your healthcare provider to find out what food(s) could be causing your allergic reaction.
 
Sometimes, a reaction to food is not a food allergy at all, but another type of reaction called "food intolerance." Food intolerance is more common than food allergy. The immune system does not cause the symptoms of a food intolerance, though these symptoms can look and feel like those of a food allergy.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD