Symptoms
Hives, itching, swelling of lips/face, stomach upset, or in severe cases difficulty breathing after eating a trigger food.
Cause
Immune system mistakenly reacting to certain food proteins (commonly nuts, shellfish, milk, eggs).
Prevention
Identify trigger foods through testing, read food labels carefully, inform restaurants/schools of known allergies.
Treatment
Strict avoidance of the trigger food, antihistamines for mild reactions. Commonly used medicines: cetirizine for mild symptoms; adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injector for severe reactions.
See a doctor if
Any swelling of the throat/face, breathing difficulty, or dizziness after eating — this is a medical emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early symptoms of Food Allergy?
Hives, itching, swelling of lips/face, stomach upset, or in severe cases difficulty breathing after eating a trigger food.
What causes Food Allergy?
Immune system mistakenly reacting to certain food proteins (commonly nuts, shellfish, milk, eggs).
How can Food Allergy be prevented?
Identify trigger foods through testing, read food labels carefully, inform restaurants/schools of known allergies.
What is the treatment for Food Allergy?
Strict avoidance of the trigger food, antihistamines for mild reactions. Commonly used medicines: cetirizine for mild symptoms; adrenaline (epinephrine) auto-injector for severe reactions.
When should I see a doctor for Food Allergy?
Any swelling of the throat/face, breathing difficulty, or dizziness after eating — this is a medical emergency.
Reviewed by the Swasthya Suchi pharmacy team for general accuracy · Last updated: 2026-08-10