The best-known symptom of a food allergy is an anaphylactic shock, a condition that occurs when a person’s immune system has an intense overreaction to a, harmless, substance it perceives as being a threatening invader. However, the disorder also has other less severe symptoms. Typically, these symptoms present themselves the first, or second, time someone with a food allergy comes into contact with the food that they’re unknowingly allergic to.
Itching and Tingling
The most common allergenic foods are eggs, fish, milk, shellfish, soy, and various nuts including: walnuts, almonds and peanuts. If you find that your lips, or the area of skin around them, have started itching or tingling after coming in contact with one of those foods, it might be evidence of a food allergy.
Red Skin & Puffiness
Another less common symptom of food allergies is the sudden development of patches of red, itchy skin on different areas of your body. While you might initially mistake of these patches for an insect bit, or harmless rash, you may be afflicted by food allergy. Also, in certain cases, a food allergy will manifest in the form of tissue inflammation, or puffiness. Typically, the symptom presents itself in the area just above the neck, but it can affect any area of the body.
Upset Stomach
The main difference between food sensitivity and a food allergy is that a person, that deals with food sensitivity, lacks the ability to break down certain proteins. So, if someone with the lactose intolerance ate a bowl of ice cream, they would soon experience gastrointestinal issues such as, bloating, gas, nausea and diarrhea. However, someone with a food allergy might also experience those symptoms, if they came into contact with an allergenic food. Only a qualified medical professional would be able to differentiate between the two conditions.
Dizziness
Dizziness can be the result of exposure to an allergenic food. If you feel slightly dizzy after eating an omelette, or quiche, and later notice a feeling of lightheadedness, bordering on unconsciousness, you should seek medical help, immediately.
Insomnia
In some instances, you may experience symptoms of a food allergy sometime after coming in contact with allergenic food. For example, if you find yourself unable to fall asleep after drinking a glass of milk, it may be indicative of a larger problem.
Impaired Cognition
Not all symptoms of food allergy are physical in nature. Some people who are afflicted with a food allergy can abruptly find themselves unable to concentrate, or recall information, after doing something innocuous as eating a bowl of shredded wheat.
Problems Breathing
Lastly, impaired breathing is one of the symptoms of having a food allergy. It should be noted that this symptom may not be severe when it first appears. For example, you might find that while eating some edamame that your nose has become congested. If you notice that your breathing becomes increasingly labored, as you consume a soy-based food, you should get to a hospital, as soon as possible.
If you’ve experienced one or more of the symptoms listed above, contact us today to set up an appointment. Dr. Shukla has the expertise to properly diagnose and treat a food allergy.
