What is a food allergy?
A food allergy is a specific immunological response to protein allergens. Allergic reactions can be considered as being mediated by - immunoglobulin E (IgE), cell-mediated mechanisms (non-IgE), or a combination of the two.1,2
Allergic reactions can cause symptoms ranging from mild through to life- threatening. Symptoms of IgE-mediated activity usually start to appear quite soon - "minutes rather than hours" after the person has been exposed to the food.1 IgE- mediated reactions can sometimes involve immediate plus late-phase (prolonged or ongoing) symptoms.3
Immediate onset symptoms can include:1,4
- Tingling or itching in and around the mouth, throat or ears
- A raised itchy rash (urticaria or hives)
- Swelling of the lips, tongue or soft palate, or around the eyes
- Respiratory problems such as wheezing
- Gastric pain, upset or vomiting
- Very rarely, complete collapse due to anaphylactic shock.