Allergies

Food allergy is an abnormal response to a food triggered by your body's immune system. Allergic reactions to food can sometimes cause serious illness and death. Tree nuts and peanuts are the leading causes of deadly allergic reactions called anaphylaxis.

In adults, the foods that most often trigger allergic reactions include:

• Fish and shellfish, such as shrimp, lobster and crab
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts, such as walnuts
• Eggs

Problem foods for children are eggs, milk (especially in infants and young children) and peanuts. Also, wheat, soy and walnuts and pecans. Children will usually outgrow an allergy to eggs, milk and soy.

Sometimes a reaction to food is not an allergy. It is often a reaction called "food intolerance". Your immune system does not cause the symptoms of food intolerance. However, these symptoms can look and feel like those of a food allergy.

Signs of a food allergy

Your body could respond in several ways if you are allergic to a certain food:

• Your skin could become red, itchy or develop a rash.
• Your nose could become stuffy or itchy, you might start sneezing, or your eyes could itch and develop tears.
• You might vomit, have stomach cramps or diarrhea.

Gluten Sensitivity and Allergies