Symptoms

Common symptoms of food allergies include:

• Tingling, swelling and itching of the lips, mouth and throat that can begin within seconds of eating the food

• Nausea and vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Itching and a skin rash (usually hives)

Sometimes, a severe allergic reaction to food can cause breathing difficulties when the upper airways become swollen and obstructed. This is not the same as asthma, which involves inflammation and constriction of the lower airways.

In rare cases, food allergies can cause anaphylaxis, a severe reaction that requires immediate medical attention.