If you have a food allergy or have ever worried about getting one, you are not alone. Food allergies are common, and are becoming increasingly more so. According to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, common food allergies include milk, egg, peanuts, tree nuts (cashews, etc.), fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat (http://www.foodallergy.org/allergens/index.html). They also note that while these foods account for 90% of all food allergies, a person can be allergic to any foods such as fruits or vegetables. Food allergies range in severity, and people with more severe allergies will often have more symptoms than someone with a slight allergy might only experience one or two. Symptoms also vary person to person.
According to the Mayo Clinic’s website, the five most common food allergy symptoms are:
1. Tingling in the mouth. People experiencing this symptom may feel their tongue get numb at the tip or their lips go numb. Often this symptom is progressive. For instance, if your tongue starts to tingle, the feeling is likely to spread to your lips and mouth as well.
2. Hives, itching, or eczema. Hives are a very common reaction and in and of itself, hives is the least threatening symptom. Though the itching can be quite annoying, difficulty breathing is much more dangerous. Despite their relatively innocuous nature of hives, they should not be ignored and often precede more intense and dangerous symptoms.
3. Swelling of the mouth, face, nose, and/or throat or other parts of the body. This symptom is common in more serious allergies, and is often located around the face and throat, but can also affect joints or limbs. This symptom can be quite dangerous as swelling around the face and throat can lead to constricted airways.
4. Respiratory distress. This includes wheezing, nasal congestion, trouble breathing. This is a very dangerous symptom because, in combination with swelling, it can become anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a condition that can cause severe symptoms like swelling of the throat, constriction of airways, shock and blood pressure drops, rapid pulse, dizziness, lightheadedness, or loss of consciousness. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately as anaphylaxis can lead to coma or death if left untreated.
5. Abdominal Pain, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. These symptoms often occur during an allergic reaction as the body’s attempt to expel the allergen.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/food-allergy/DS00082/DSECTION=symptoms
Food allergies can develop at any time. After 19 years of eating shellfish with no problems whatsoever, I developed a shellfish allergy last year. With no warning I experienced the full run of symptoms and was rushed to the hospital. I now carry an epipen and practice caution when I go out to eat. Food allergies are completely manageable as long as you stay aware and stick to your diet, so take care and enjoy your food!
