Food Allergies and Intolerances

Milk is the most common food allergy in children, affecting about 2-3% of children under the age of 3.

Hives, also known as urticaria, are the most common symptom of a food allergy. They are raised, itchy bumps that can appear anywhere on the body.

Rice is not a common allergen. Common food allergens include milk, eggs, peanuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, and tree nuts.

Food allergies involve the immune system, while food intolerances do not. Food allergies can be life-threatening, while food intolerances are not. Food allergies are more common in children, while food intolerances are more common in adults.

A food allergy can be diagnosed through a skin prick test, a blood test, or a food challenge. A skin prick test involves pricking the skin with a small amount of the suspected allergen and observing the reaction. A blood test measures the level of antibodies in the blood that are specific to the suspected allergen. A food challenge involves giving the person a small amount of the suspected allergen and monitoring for symptoms.

The best way to manage a food allergy is to avoid the allergen, take antihistamines to relieve symptoms, carry an epinephrine auto-injector in case of a severe reaction, and work with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized management plan.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the body reacts to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Consuming gluten can trigger an immune response that damages the small intestine and leads to a variety of symptoms, including digestive problems, weight loss, and fatigue.

Lactose intolerance is a condition in which the body is unable to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk and dairy products. Symptoms of lactose intolerance typically include diarrhea, gas, bloating, and abdominal pain.

People with a peanut allergy are typically also allergic to tree nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and pecans. They may also be allergic to soy, as soy proteins are similar to peanut proteins.

Shellfish allergies can cause a variety of symptoms, including hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis. Symptoms typically occur within minutes of eating shellfish.

People with a milk allergy are allergic to the proteins found in milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products.

Egg allergies can cause a variety of symptoms, including hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis. Symptoms typically occur within minutes of eating eggs.

People with a wheat allergy are allergic to the proteins found in wheat, bread, pasta, and other wheat products.

Soy allergies can cause a variety of symptoms, including hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis. Symptoms typically occur within minutes of eating soy.

People with a fish allergy are allergic to the proteins found in fish, shellfish, and crustaceans.