A food allergy happens when the body reacts against harmless proteins found in foods. The reaction usually happens shortly after a food is eaten. Food allergy reactions can vary from mild to severe. Because there are many things that can be confused with food allergies, it is important for parents to know the difference.

Symptoms of a food allergy

Skin problems

• Hives (red spots that look like mosquito bites)
• Itchy skin rashes (eczema, also called atopic dermatitis)
• Swelling
• Breathing problems
• Sneezing
• Wheezing
• Throat tightness

Stomach symptoms

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Circulation symptoms
• Pale skin
• Light-headedness
• Loss of consciousness

If several areas of the body are affected, the reaction may be severe or even life-threatening. This type of allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis and requires immediate medical attention.

Not a food allergy

Food can cause many illnesses that are sometimes confused with food allergies. The following are not food allergies:

Food poisoning—can cause diarrhea or vomiting, but is usually caused by bacteria in spoiled food or undercooked food.

Drug effects—certain ingredients, such as caffeine in soda or candy, can make your child shaky or restless.

Skin irritation—can often be caused by acids found in such foods as orange juice or tomato products.

Diarrhea—can occur in small children from too much sugar, such as from fruit juices.

Some food-related illnesses are called intolerance, or food sensitivity, rather than an allergy because the immune system is not causing the problem. Lactose intolerance is an example of a food intolerance that is often confused with a food allergy. Lactose intolerance is when a person has trouble digesting milk sugar, called lactose, leading to stomachaches, bloating, and loose stools.

Sometimes reactions to the chemicals added to foods, such as dyes or preservatives, are mistaken for a food allergy. However, while some people may be sensitive to certain food additives, it is rare to be allergic to them.

Foods that can cause food allergies

Any food could cause a food allergy, but most food allergies are caused by the following:

• Cow milk
• Eggs
• Peanuts
• Soy
• Wheat
• Nuts from trees (such as walnuts, pistachios, pecans, cashew)
• Fish (such as tuna, salmon, cod)
• Shellfish (such as shrimp, lobster)
• Peanuts, nuts, and seafood are the most common causes of severe reactions. Allergies also occur to other foods such as meats, fruits, vegetables, grains, and seeds such as sesame.

The good news is that food allergies are often outgrown during early childhood. It is estimated that 80% to 90% of egg, milk, wheat, and soy allergies go away by age 5 years. Some allergies are more persistent. For example, 1 in 5 young children will outgrow a peanut allergy and fewer will outgrow allergies to nuts or seafood. Your pediatrician or allergist can perform tests to track your child's food allergies and watch to see if they are going away.