About this condition
Food allergy is an immune-mediated reaction to a particular food. It is different from food intolerance, so both investigation and dietary restrictions should be based on a clear clinical history.
What you should know
Reactions may involve skin, gut, breathing or circulation and can range from mild symptoms to anaphylaxis. The timing, amount eaten, preparation method and whether the reaction occurred repeatedly help clarify what happened.
When to seek medical advice
Possible symptoms include hives, lip swelling, vomiting, wheezing or sudden systemic symptoms after a food. Isolated bloating or discomfort may have non-allergic causes; a symptom list alone does not establish the diagnosis.
Important distinctions
Sensitisation on a blood or skin test is not the same as proven clinical allergy. Conversely, an adverse reaction is not automatically an intolerance. Broad food panels can lead to unnecessarily excluding nutritionally important foods.
How assessment works
The clinician reviews the exact food, time to symptoms, other exposures and previous episodes. Targeted tests may assist; supervised oral food challenges, where indicated, belong only in suitable medical facilities, never at home after a suspected severe reaction.
Management and limitations
When a culprit is confirmed, planning focuses on practical avoidance, balanced alternatives and what to do after accidental exposure. After anaphylaxis a clinician should establish an individual emergency strategy, which may include prescribed adrenaline.
When emergency help is needed
Rapid breathing difficulty, throat or tongue swelling, fainting or severe weakness after eating may be anaphylaxis. Call 103 or 112 immediately; use a prescribed adrenaline auto-injector according to the personal emergency plan while emergency care is arranged.
Related information
Signs and symptoms
Possible symptoms include hives, lip swelling, vomiting, wheezing or sudden systemic symptoms after a food. Isolated bloating or discomfort may have non-allergic causes; a symptom list alone does not establish the diagnosis.
Diagnosis and tests
The clinician reviews the exact food, time to symptoms, other exposures and previous episodes. Targeted tests may assist; supervised oral food challenges, where indicated, belong only in suitable medical facilities, never at home after a suspected severe reaction.
Care and treatment approaches
When a culprit is confirmed, planning focuses on practical avoidance, balanced alternatives and what to do after accidental exposure. After anaphylaxis a clinician should establish an individual emergency strategy, which may include prescribed adrenaline.
When to seek urgent care
Rapid breathing difficulty, throat or tongue swelling, fainting or severe weakness after eating may be anaphylaxis. Call 103 or 112 immediately; use a prescribed adrenaline auto-injector according to the personal emergency plan while emergency care is arranged.
Frequently asked questions
Can a blood test alone diagnose food allergy?
No. Sensitisation results need to fit the clinical history; a positive test without symptoms does not prove an allergy.
How is allergy different from food intolerance?
Allergy involves an immune mechanism, whereas intolerance often follows other pathways and requires different assessment.
Can I retry a suspected food at home?
Do not perform a home challenge after a possible serious reaction. Discuss any planned reintroduction with a qualified clinician.
Important information
A medical consultation is needed for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Self-treatment can be harmful to your health.
