Food allergies may cause many different allergy symptoms. Allergic reactions to food usually occur rapidly after eating the offensive food, usually within 30 minutes and almost always within 2 hours of ingestion. Signs and symptoms of food allergy can involve the nose, mouth, stomach, skin, lungs and heart.
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Skin Symptoms: Include itching, flushing (redness), hives and swelling.
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Oral/Stomach Symptoms: Include itching, tingling, burning, abdominal cramping, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
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Respiratory Symptoms: Include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, throat swelling, wheezing and/or difficulty breathing.
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Life-threatening, anaphylactic reactions: Include loss of consciousness and stopped breathing. Call 911 immediately if you suspect anaphylaxis.
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Cardiovascular Symptoms: Include lightheadedness, fainting, low blood pressure and shock.
This information has been approved by David Fleischer, MD (March 2009).
