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Hives or eczema on skin
Allergic reaction to food
Skin itching after consuming food
Diarrhea
Nasal congestion or breathing trouble
Tingling or itching in the mouth
Swelling of the lips, face, tongue or throat
Sudden lip swelling
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Food Allergy?
Food allergy is an immune system reaction to certain foods that occurs shortly after ingestion. It can develop at any age and is often triggered by proteins in common allergens such as peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat. The condition can lead to a range of symptoms, from mild skin reactions to severe anaphylaxis, and is more prevalent in children but can persist into adulthood.
Typical Symptoms of Food Allergy
- Wheezing or whistling sounds when breathing
- Itchy skin
- Stomach or abdominal pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- History of asthma
- Fatigue or low energy
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Stomach or abdominal pain that is bearable
Diagnostic Questions for Food Allergy
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Do you experience wheezing or whistling sounds when breathing?
- Do you have itchy skin?
- Do you have any stomach or abdominal pain?
- Have you been experiencing nausea or vomiting?
- Do you have asthma or childhood asthma?
Treatment of Food Allergy
The primary treatment for food allergies is strict avoidance of the allergenic food. In cases of accidental exposure, antihistamines may be used to alleviate mild symptoms, while severe reactions require immediate administration of epinephrine. Individuals at risk of anaphylaxis should carry an epinephrine auto-injector. Education on recognizing symptoms and emergency response is also crucial for management.
Reviewed By:
Eisaku Kamakura, MD (Pulmonology)
Dr. Kamakura graduated from the Tokyo Medical and Dental University, School of Dentistry, and the Niigata University School of Medicine. He trained at Yokosuka Kyosai Hospital and held positions in the Respiratory Medicine departments at Yokosuka Kyosai Hospital, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Ome City General Hospital, and Musashino Red Cross Hospital. In 2021, he became the specially appointed assistant professor at the Department of General Medicine, Niigata University School of Medicine.
Kenji Taylor, MD, MSc (Family Medicine, Primary Care)
Dr. Taylor is a Japanese-African American physician who grew up and was educated in the United States but spent a considerable amount of time in Japan as a college student, working professional and now father of three. After graduating from Brown, he worked in finance first before attending medical school at Penn. He then completed a fellowship with the Centers for Disease Control before going on to specialize in Family and Community Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) where he was also a chief resident. After a faculty position at Stanford, he moved with his family to Japan where he continues to see families on a military base outside of Tokyo, teach Japanese residents and serve remotely as a medical director for Roots Community Health Center. He also enjoys editing and writing podcast summaries for Hippo Education.
Content updated on Jan 15, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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- Whistling when I breathe
- Itchy
- Respiratory wheeze
- Stomachache
- Loud breathing
- Have nausea
- The skin is itchy and has scratches
- Stridor
- I have lower abdominal pain
- Skin itching that worsens at night
- Nausea improves with vomiting
- Itch is mild
- I have left lower abdominal pain
- Itching
- Bile vomiting
See full list
Symptoms Related to Food Allergy
Diseases Related to Food Allergy
FAQs
Q.
Peanut Reaction? Why Your Body is Reacting & Crucial Medical Next Steps
A.
Peanut reactions happen when your immune system misidentifies peanut proteins, causing symptoms that can range from hives or stomach upset to life-threatening anaphylaxis that needs epinephrine and emergency care. There are several factors to consider, and next steps often include prompt medical evaluation, formal allergy testing, an emergency plan with an auto injector, and careful label reading, with key details on risks, cross-contamination, and treatment options like immunotherapy explained below.
References:
* Burks AW, Sampson HA, Sicherer S, Bannon GA, Bahna SL, Chinthrajah S, Du Toit G, Frischmeyer-Guerrerio PA, Jones SM, Lee JS, Lehman HK, Nadeau KC, Nowak-Węgrzyn A, O'Keefe AW, Oriel RC, Ruffner MA, Scurlock AM, Tilles SA, Wood RA, Wasserman SI. Molecular Mechanisms of Peanut Allergy and Approaches to Therapy. Front Immunol. 2021 Apr 22;12:656209. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.656209. PMID: 33967882; PMCID: PMC8100527.
* Sicherer SH, Sampson HA. Peanut allergy: Diagnosis and management. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2018 Jan;141(1):41-51. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2017.11.011. Epub 2017 Dec 1. PMID: 29290356.
* Nowak-Węgrzyn A, Fiocchi A, Allen KJ, Bahnson HT, Ciaravino L, Cross K, Dribin T, Greenhawt M, Groetch M, Jaller St. CK, Lanser BJ, Ledford DK, Levy R, Mazer B, Nowak-Węgrzyn A, Oppenheimer JJ, Otani IM, Peden DB, Perrett KP, Sicherer SH, Shaker M, Sublett J, Tilles SA, Venter C, Wallace DV, Wang J, Warren CM, Wood RA. Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of food allergy in the United States: 2020 practice parameter update. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2020 Oct;146(4S):S1-S108. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2020.08.016. Epub 2020 Sep 1. PMID: 32891395.
* Du Toit G, Foong RX, Nowak-Węgrzyn A. The Changing Natural History of Peanut Allergy: What Do We Know, and How Is It Shaping Our Management? J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2020 Sep;8(8):2499-2508. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2020.04.045. Epub 2020 May 20. PMID: 32442488.
* Shaker MS, Wallace DV, Golden DBK, Oppenheimer J, Bernstein JA, Campbell RL, Dinakar C, Ellis A, Greenhawt M, Kemp SF, Lieberman P, Nolan K, Offerschlachter B, Perumal D, Randolph C, Rank MA, Ricciotti G, Griswold S, Semaan R, Smith S, Stilwell P, Stukus D, Tang M, Wang J, Zacharisen M. Anaphylaxis-a 2020 practice parameter update, systematic review, and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) analysis. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2020 Oct;125(4):361-391.e7. doi: 10.1016/j.anai.2020.08.016. Epub 2020 Aug 22. PMID: 32846174.
Q.
Endless Allergies? Why Your Body Is Overreacting & Medical Next Steps
A.
Persistent, year-round allergy symptoms usually mean ongoing exposure or overlapping triggers, sometimes compounded by food reactions, allergic asthma, or a genetically primed immune system. Next steps include tracking patterns, seeing a clinician or allergist for targeted testing, using the right medications and avoidance strategies, and considering immunotherapy. There are several factors to consider, including look-alike conditions and when to seek emergency care; see the complete guidance below to choose the safest, most effective plan for you.
References:
* Platts-Mills, T. A., & Commins, S. P. (2018). Immunology of allergic reactions. *New England Journal of Medicine*, *378*(12), 1083-1094.
* Gould, H. J., & Sutton, B. J. (2018). The IgE antibody: a key player in allergic disease. *Nature Reviews Immunology*, *18*(12), 738-751.
* Dykewicz, M. S., Wallace, D. V., Amrol, D., Baroody, F. M., Bernstein, D. I., Craig, T. J., ... & Khan, D. A. (2019). Rhinitis 2019: A practice parameter update. *Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology*, *143*(3), 856-892.
* Tran, N. P., Vickery, J., & Blaiss, M. S. (2020). Pharmacologic treatment of allergic rhinitis. *Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology*, *125*(2), 133-146.
* Larche, M., & Durham, S. R. (2021). Allergen immunotherapy. *Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology*, *147*(4), 1099-1110.
Q.
Sick After Cod Fish? Why Your Body Reacts & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Feeling sick after cod fish is usually due to one of four causes: a true fish allergy, scombroid histamine poisoning from improperly stored fish, food poisoning, or a non-allergic intolerance; timing of symptoms, whether others who ate it got ill, and red flags like rash, swelling, or breathing trouble help tell them apart. Medically approved next steps include avoiding cod until evaluated, seeking urgent care for any breathing or throat symptoms, hydrating for vomiting or diarrhea, and seeing an allergist for testing and an action plan; see below for specific warning signs, timelines, and when it is safe to try fish again.
References:
* Kim KT, Lim S, Choy YS, Hong JT, Kim JM, Kim HW. Review of fish allergens and their role in allergic reactions. Allergy. 2021 May;76(5):1359-1372. doi: 10.1111/all.14777. Epub 2021 Feb 23. PMID: 33496924.
* Lemiere C, Faria A, D'Amato M, D'Amato G, Jappe U, Canonica GW. The molecular basis of fish allergy. World Allergy Organ J. 2022 Mar 28;15(3):100624. doi: 10.1016/j.waojou.2022.100624. eCollection 2022 Mar. PMID: 35359670; PMCID: PMC8964344.
* Ly M, Ly V, Ho C, Phan T. Histamine Fish Poisoning-A Comprehensive Review. Toxins (Basel). 2021 Jul 27;13(8):525. doi: 10.3390/toxins13080525. PMID: 34437299; PMCID: PMC8401826.
* Singh BR, Singh S, Singh DK, Singh B, Singh A, Pandey SK, Singh R, Yadav S. Update on foodborne bacterial pathogens of seafood origin. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2021;61(18):3084-3103. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1795744. Epub 2020 Aug 12. PMID: 32787494.
* Shaker Y. Food Allergy: A Review and Update on Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Prevention, and Management. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2020 Jan;8(1):32-41. doi: 10.1016/j.jacip.2019.07.013. Epub 2019 Jul 25. PMID: 31352134.
Q.
Is Nutritional Yeast Ruining Your Gut? Why Your Body Reacts & Medical Next Steps
A.
There are several factors to consider: nutritional yeast can trigger gut or immune symptoms in some people due to yeast allergy, a sudden fiber load, tyramine-triggered headaches, IBS or autoimmune flares, even though it is inactive and does not cause yeast overgrowth or infections. Most reactions are mild and improve by reducing portions or pausing it. Next steps include a 2 to 3 week elimination and cautious reintroduction, reviewing MAOI use, and seeing a clinician for possible allergy testing and assessment for IBS or IBD; seek urgent care for trouble breathing, swelling, severe pain, or persistent vomiting or diarrhea. See the complete guidance below for details that could change your plan.
References:
* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29775086/
* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17298647/
* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25164253/
* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8097495/
* pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32367500/
Q.
Sudden Nutella Reaction? Why Your Body Is Reacting & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
A sudden reaction after eating Nutella can result from a new allergy to hazelnuts or milk, oral allergy syndrome, lactose intolerance, or non-allergic sensitivity to sugar, cocoa, or fat. Watch for red flags like breathing difficulty, throat or tongue swelling, dizziness, or widespread hives, which are emergencies and require immediate care and epinephrine if prescribed. For safe next steps, stop Nutella for now, track symptoms, and arrange medical evaluation for allergy testing; there are several factors to consider. For complete, medically approved guidance that could change which actions you take, see below.
References:
* Brough HA, Niggemann B, Makris M, Peake J, Stäger S, Wassenberg J. Hazelnut allergy: A review of current understanding and management. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2019 Mar;7(3):880-888.e4. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2018.10.027. Epub 2018 Nov 13. PMID: 30448667.
* Sicherer SH. Cow's Milk Allergy: Pathogenesis, Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Management. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2021 Jun;60(3):479-498. doi: 10.1007/s12016-020-08818-4. PMID: 33496929.
* Wilson JM, Sicherer SH. Soy Allergy. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2021 Jun;60(3):499-510. doi: 10.1007/s12016-020-08824-6. PMID: 33501509.
* Järvinen KM, Sicherer SH. Food Allergy: A Review of Clinical Management. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2020 Jan;8(1):30-46. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2019.08.019. Epub 2019 Sep 18. PMID: 31542456.
* Saff R, Saff L. Food Allergy: An Update for the Clinician. Med Clin North Am. 2021 Jan;105(1):15-32. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2020.09.002. PMID: 33183616.
Q.
Allergy? Why Your Immune System Overreacts & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Allergies happen when your immune system overreacts to harmless triggers like pollen, foods, pet dander, insect stings, or medications, driven by IgE and histamine, with symptoms that can range from mild irritation to anaphylaxis. Medically approved steps include tracking triggers, seeing a clinician for skin or blood testing and supervised challenges, avoiding confirmed allergens, using treatments such as antihistamines and nasal steroids, and carrying epinephrine if at risk, with some benefiting from immunotherapy. There are several factors to consider and urgent care is needed for breathing trouble, throat swelling, or fainting; see below for fuller guidance and important details that can affect your next steps.
References:
* Chai HR, Jeong SH, Kim YK. Allergy and Anaphylaxis: A Review. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep. 2021 Apr 19;21(6):38. doi: 10.1007/s11882-021-01007-z. PMID: 33876352.
* Akdis CA, Akdis M, Agache I, et al. Diagnosis and management of allergic diseases: an overview. Allergy. 2020 Jan;75(1):15-28. doi: 10.1111/all.13961. Epub 2019 Jul 25. PMID: 31278857.
* Akdis M, Akdis CA. The molecular and cellular basis of allergic inflammation. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2016 Nov;138(5):1257-1269. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2016.09.006. Epub 2016 Oct 1. PMID: 27814882.
* Liu AH, Leung DYM. Emerging Therapies in Allergic Diseases. Allergy Asthma Immunol Res. 2020 Jul;12(4):577-595. doi: 10.4168/aair.2020.12.4.577. Epub 2020 Jun 25. PMID: 32597793; PMCID: PMC7333552.
* Nouri-Aria KT, Till SJ. Allergen immunotherapy: mechanisms and clinical efficacy. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. 2019 Dec;19(6):612-618. doi: 10.1097/ACI.0000000000000593. PMID: 31633526.
Q.
Cilantro Tastes Like Soap? Why Your DNA Reacts + Medical Next Steps
A.
For many people, cilantro tastes like soap because of DNA variants in smell receptor genes such as OR6A2 that heighten sensitivity to aldehydes, and this harmless difference affects roughly 4 to 14 percent of people. If you also notice itching, swelling, breathing issues, or sudden broader taste or smell changes, an allergy, oral allergy syndrome, medication effect, or deficiency may be involved and a clinician visit is advised; there are several factors and specific next steps to consider, so see the complete guidance below.
References:
* Eriksson N, Macpherson JM, Spanaus K, Do CB, Input M, Bello S, et al. A genetic variant near OR6A2 is associated with cilantro preference. F1000Res. 2012;1:9. doi: 10.12688/f1000research.1-9.v2. eCollection 2012. PMID: 22960655; PMCID: PMC3432793.
* Knaapila A, Hwang LD, Lysenko A, Lukacs M, Duffy VB, Hayes JE, et al. The perception of cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) and its relation to olfactory receptor genes and genetic variation in the human genome. Chem Senses. 2012 Sep;37(7):643-56. doi: 10.1093/chemse/bjs054. Epub 2012 Aug 30. PMID: 22960657; PMCID: PMC3432791.
* Genick UK, Munkhjargal D. The genetics of bitter and other tastes. Hum Genet. 2018 Mar;137(3):289-299. doi: 10.1007/s00439-018-1875-9. Epub 2018 Mar 2. PMID: 29505852.
* Knaapila A, Sandell MA. Genetics of food preference and consumption. Curr Nutr Rep. 2017 Jun;6(2):160-167. doi: 10.1007/s13668-017-0205-0. Epub 2017 Mar 30. PMID: 28362839.
* Reed DR, Knaapila A. Genetics of human taste perception. Trends Genet. 2010 May;26(5):229-37. doi: 10.1016/j.tig.2010.02.002. Epub 2010 Mar 17. PMID: 20409414; PMCID: PMC2866904.
Q.
Internal Chaos? Why Your System Reacts to Edamame + Medical Next Steps
A.
Several causes can explain feeling internal chaos after edamame, including true soy allergy and peanut cross reactivity, FODMAP intolerance from fiber and oligosaccharides, histamine sensitivity, or effects of soy isoflavones, with symptoms ranging from bloating and cramps to hives, swelling, breathing trouble, dizziness, or anaphylaxis. There are several factors to consider; stop edamame for now, track symptoms, and see a clinician or allergist for testing and guidance on safe reintroduction, and seek emergency care for any breathing or throat symptoms or fainting. Complete step by step next actions and key red flags that could change your next steps are outlined below.
References:
* Guerry, M. J., Kim, K., & Spergel, J. M. (2021). Soybean Allergy: A Narrative Review. *The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice*, *9*(10), 3619-3628. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2021.07.031. PMID: 34653609.
* Halmos, E. P., & Gibson, P. R. (2019). Dietary FODMAPs and functional gastrointestinal disorders: a review. *Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology*, *34*(6), 1058-1066. doi: 10.1111/jgh.14661. PMID: 31012977.
* Shaker, M. S., Wallace, D. V., Golden, D. B. K., Anderson, J. A., Arshad, H. S., Bahna, S. L., ... & Kelso, J. M. (2020). Anaphylaxis—a 2020 practice parameter update. *The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology*, *145*(6), 1546-1582. doi: 10.1016/j.jaci.2020.01.017. PMID: 32247650.
* Lee, K. H., Jo, Y. R., & Kim, M. K. (2017). Soybean Allergens: Recent Advances. *Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research*, *9*(4), 283-291. doi: 10.4168/aair.2017.9.4.283. PMID: 28659021.
* Bird, J. A., Spergel, J. M., Rance, F., Greenhawt, M., Urisu, A., Rothenberg, M. E., ... & Nowak-Węgrzyn, A. (2021). Food allergy management: the science behind food challenge. *The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice*, *9*(3), 1145-1158. doi: 10.1016/j.jaip.2020.12.016. PMID: 33714652.
Q.
Why do I feel nauseous after I eat?
A.
Feeling nauseous after eating can be caused by various factors, including digestive disorders, food intolerances, and psychological issues. Identifying the underlying cause is important for effective management and relief.
References:
Scorza K, Williams A, Phillips JD, Shaw J. Evaluation of nausea and vomiting. Am Fam Physician. 2007 Jul 1;76(1):76-84. PMID: 17668843.
Harmon RC, Peura DA. Evaluation and management of dyspepsia. Therap Adv Gastroenterol. 2010 Mar;3(2):87-98. doi: 10.1177/1756283X09356590. PMID: 21180593; PMCID: PMC3002574.
Harer KN, Hasler WL. Functional Dyspepsia: A Review of the Symptoms, Evaluation, and Treatment Options. Gastroenterol Hepatol (N Y). 2020 Feb;16(2):66-74. PMID: 34035704; PMCID: PMC8132673.
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Food Allergy
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/food-allergy/symptoms-causes/syc-20355095Food Allergies
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9196-food-allergiesACAAI
https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/food/FDA
https://www.fda.gov/food/buy-store-serve-safe-food/food-allergies-what-you-need-knowAAAAI
https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-treatments/allergies/food-allergy